Mobile Bay Parents July 2017 by KeepSharing

July2017 34

Volume 7 Number 4

38 Columns 2

Mom of the Month 4

Living With Children John Rosemond

Cool Party Themes

Discover six fun and unique party ideas for your tweens and teens.

8 Birthday Traditions

Kids Health Watch

These ideas will make your child feel extra special this year and every year after.

sponsored by Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Medical Group

Get This!

Gerry Paige Smith

Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Birthday Party Guide Our listing helps you find all the resources you need for their big day!

Middle School Years

A parent pep talk for expecting memories, not mayhem, as they head off to middle school.

Parenting Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Teens Mark Gregston

A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

On The Cover

Departments

Naomi (5) daughter of Kalonda and Marcus Coleman, and big sister to Andrew (5). Naomi loves to sing, dance, make up stories, and ride her bike. Andrew loves to run, go on adventure hikes, and play with his sister.

Bits and Pieces 11

School Bits 52

Family Calendar 60

Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine

MomOfTheMonth

Mobile Bay Mobile Bay’s Foremost Parenting Source

Though birthdays, like Christmas, should be a time of great joy and excitement, they encompass much more than throwing parties and giving gifts. Birthdays are a time to acknowledge the blessings that are our sons and daughters, sisters and brothers, friends, teachers, and others. These are people who make our lives better simply because they exist. But birthdays aren’t just about recognizing birth or existence; they are about celebrating life. Life is a journey. It’s losing and winning, learning and growing, loving and forgiving. Birthdays are a reminder of challenges that were overcome, fears that were faced, lessons that were learned, and milestones that were met. But we shortchange birthdays if we use them only to recognize births and remember journeys of the past. What’s a journey without a destination…a purpose…a vision for the future? Birthday celebrations should simultaneously celebrate the past and inspire hope for the days to come. Since life is a journey, and there are no two journeys alike, birthdays are personal. There is no one-size fits all celebration for birthdays. Each person is special, and his or her desires, circumstances, culture, and relationships are just as unique as he or she is. We all know the story of Jesus’ immaculate conception and we celebrate His birth for the world changing event that it was. While I would never take away from the birth of our Savior, I think it honors Him when we realize that every birth is a miracle, and every life is worth celebrating. I often imagine our great God looking over the expanse of time, seeing the events of the world, and feeling compassion toward a person in need of a kind word and gentle spirit. In my mind, that gracious God gathers together that kind word and gentle spirit, covers them with athleticism, adds in intelligence, sprinkles on a little sass, and places the whole beautiful mix in my womb in Mobile, AL. So, every year on November 14th, my family gives thanks; because on that day in 2011 the world changer we know as my daughter, Naomi Coleman, was born. My husband and I are kind of quiet, so we usually celebrate our birthdays together in our home, but our kiddos are a different story! They love to be with their friends, and on their birthdays, we love to make their wishes come true. Some years it’s been a quick unplanned outing with our neighbors, and other years it’s looked like Party City had a going out of business sale in our living room. At any rate, we’ve found that as long as there are friends and cake, our 5 and 3-year-old are generally pleased. Mobile Bay Parents magazine has several helpful resources in this month’s Birthday Party issue. Make sure you check out the Birthday Party Planning Guide on page 40. It is filled with local party resources for cakes, inflatables, entertainment, decorations, places to party and more! If you’re looking for party ideas for older kids, be sure to check out Cool Party Themes for Teens and Tweens on page 34. And be sure to read 8 Birthday Traditions You’ll Want to Try on page 38 for easy ways to make your birthday boy or girl feel extra special. Life is a journey and every year is marked with a day of commemoration—a day we call a birthday. Birthdays are a time to remember and give honor for the gift of birth while at the same time celebrating the gift of life. So, with all that in mind…let’s celebrate! It has been my sincere pleasure to share with you this month, and I wish you all a month of joy and prosperity. May your lives be full, your relationships healthy, and your dreams inspired.

Mobile Bay Parents I July 2017

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Mobile Bay Parents Magazine is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant role in our community. Mobile Bay Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@mobilebayparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@mobilebayparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Research Editor Lucy Green Contributing Writers Jennifer Adair, M.D. Kalonda Coleman Mark Gregston Carolyn Jabs Christina Katz Kerrie McLoughlin Pam Molnar Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith Cover Photography Hannah Stinson www.hannahstinsonphotography.com

President Jason Watson Advertising Sales Lynn Knighton Leslie Hall Danielle Nicholas ads@mobilebayparents.com (251) 304-1200 Ad Design Tim Welch

Visit us at www.mobilebayparents.com Mobile Bay Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: P.O. Box 81105, Mobile, Alabama, 36689. The phone number for voice and fax is (251) 304-1200. Mobile Bay Parents is copyrighted 2016 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Mobile Bay Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

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LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

What to Do About Nightmares Q:

Our 5-year-old has suddenly started waking up with nightmares. He’s not able to describe them with any clarity, however, so we don’t know what the content of them is. The most he’s able to tell us is that there are scary people chasing him. He began having them about a month ago and has had maybe twenty since. They usually occur about three hours after we tuck him in. When they start, he begins crying or yelling in his sleep. We wake him up and he calms down fairly quickly. A couple of times he’s asked to come to our bed which we’ve allowed. There have been no recent disruptions in either our family life or his life of late, so we don’t know what’s causing them. Do you think it would be helpful to take him to see a therapist?

A: I don’t recommend it. In the first place, there’s no trustworthy body of evidence that would support the notion

that nightmares, as a rule, are indicative of some psychological disturbance—a “repressed” trauma, for example. I used quotation marks because there is significant reason to doubt whether the Freudian concept of repression is even valid. Secondly, there’s a chance that talking to a therapist may make a mountain out of a molehill and either result in a worsening of the nightmares or lead to the development of additional problems. I base that caution not on research but on anecdotal evidence shared with me by lots of parents over the years. The efficacy of talk therapy is dicey with adults; it’s even dicier with children. In some cases, it’s possible to associate the onset of nightmares with a difficult transition or a very upsetting circum-

stance, but even then it’s impossible to be sure that the event in question is the cause. The fact is, almost all children report nightmares at one time or another. More often than not, they stop as mysteriously as they started. The one clue here is your report that the nightmares occur around three hours after you put him to bed. That suggests that they are somehow related to your son’s sleep cycle, but that is nothing more than somewhat educated speculation. In my estimation, you’re doing the right thing, including letting him come into your bed on occasion. I am not an advocate of either attachment parenting or parent-child co-sleeping except in exceptional circumstances, of which this is one. You’re also doing the right thing by waking him up and comforting him. If the nightmares get a lot worse, you might consider taking him to a sleep clinic, but I’d give that decision some time. In other words, for the time being, just keep calm and parent on.

GRE IN

Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions at www.johnrosemond.com and parentguru.com.

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Southwest Mobile County Chamber of Commerce Kids’ Day

Join us on Saturday, July 29 at Tillman’s Corner Community Center at 5055 Carol Plantation Road from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. We will have many fun activities including Laser Tag, Giveaways, The Largest Mobile Video Game Theater, Free Vaccines, Kona, Knocker Ball, Inflatables, Free Haircuts, Face Painting, Krystal Burger Eating Contest at 12:00 p.m., a Color War for everyone that attends at 1:30, Food Trucks & More. There is no cost to attend and we only ask people to bring a canned good to get into the gate. All proceeds will be donated to the Food Bank locally. Please call 251-666-2488 for more information.

7th Annual Dauphin Street Vault

Join us for the 7th Annual Dauphin Street Vault with beginner and elite competitions on Saturday, July 15. This event runs from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. at the intersection of Dauphin and Joachim Street. The primary mission of Dauphin Street Vault is to promote health and wellness through athletics. Our secondary mission is to celebrate the awesomeness of pole vaulting and track and field by throwing an amazing block party in its honor. Whether you're an athlete or not, we hope to see you there! Please visit www.dauphinstreetvault.com for more information.

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Strike Out Domestic Violence at Mobile Bay Bears Game

Help raise awareness by participating in the Penelope House Fundraiser, Strike Out Domestic Violence. Friday, July 21 Mobile Bay Bears will be playing Chattanooga Lookouts and individuals or businesses can pledge $20 for each strikeout by a Bay Bears pitcher so we can strike out domestic violence in our community. Gates open at 6 p.m. Game time is 7:05 p.m. First 1,000 fans receive rally towel compliments of Red Square Agency. To make a pledge, simply call 251-342-2809 or visit www.penelopehouse.org.

Weeks Bay Foundation Pelican Paddle Canoe and Kayak Race

On Saturday, August 5, the Weeks Bay Foundation will be hosting their 5th annual Pelican Paddle Canoe and Kayak Race. This is an amazing family friendly event that showcases the beauty of Weeks Bay, gets folks out on the water, and provides a little friendly competition. Racers will compete in categories such as solo kayak, tandem craft, stand up paddleboard, and non-traditional craft. We even have a junior division and a pro division, which runs a 7 mile course! For those who aren’t interested in racing, we will have a leisurely guided Eco-Tour. This part of the event is great for nature lovers and inexperienced paddlers. Don’t have a canoe or kayak? The Foundation might be able to help. Fairhope Boat Company and 17 Turtles Outfitters have generously donated a limited number of canoes and kayaks to be loaned out to people who don’t have their own equipment. Tickets are $30/paddler $70/family in advance. Check out www.weeksbay.org or call 251-990-5004 for more information. Mobile Bay Parents I July 2017

Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament

The Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament is designed to bring families together and encourage sportsmanship. The tournament takes place on the Saturday, July 15. RMYAT is for children 15 years and younger and it typically attracts more than 1500 young anglers. The one-day event features 31 categories with prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes in all categories. One Master Angler is awarded. All participants receive a Zeigler hot dog, a Coca Cola, a Blue Bell ice cream, and a certificate. Winners will receive Mobile Bay Bears tickets. All proceeds benefit the Mobile Jaycees Children's Christmas Shopping Tour. Please visit www.adsfr.com/rmyat.html for more information. www.mobilebayparents.com

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Semmes Freedom Celebration

Semmes Freedom Celebration is a one-day fun family event on Monday, July 3 at Mary G. Montgomery High School starting at 4:00 p.m. Highlights include a car show, free games and activities and amazing fireworks in the sky. Cost - $2 at the gate / age 5 and under free. Your kids will not be disappointed with all the exciting things to do in our kid’s zone. They will love the Face painting section, carnival rides and games and inflatables to play on. Don’t forget to check out the petting zoo and the amazing puppet show that goes on before the fireworks. Please visit www.orchardassembly.com/sfc/ for more information.

Summer Classic Movie Series

The SMG Managed Mobile Saenger Theatre will once again showcase a Summer Classic Movie Series featuring classic hit movies and movie musicals on the big screen. Join us for the following shows: July 16 – “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” July 23 – “Blazing Saddles,” July 30 – “The Color Purple,” August 6 – “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory,” August 13 – “North by Northwest,” and August 20 – “Gone with the Wind.” Films start at 3:00 p.m. Cost: Adults - $6, Children - $3 (12 and under) and Seniors $3. For more information, please visit www.mobilesaenger.com.

Bay Bites – Food Truck Festival

Join us for Bay Bites on Wednesday, July 26 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Hosted by Mobile Baykeeper's Young Advisory Council, Bay Bites is a food truck festival featuring a variety of different cuisine from local food trucks, craft beer, live music, and a variety of lawn games and other entertainment on the riverfront of Downtown Mobile at Cooper Riverside Park. We hope to see you there! Please visit www.mobilebaykeeper.org for more information.

Birthday Party Adventure "Join us for an unforgettable one and a half hour birthday party boat ride aboard the Duke! The boat ride includes pulling a shrimp net and putting the catch in our touch tank aquarium. The passengers are allowed to touch and explore the catch! Kids and adults love this trip! Our "Basic Birthday Party Adventure" starts at $255 for up to 42 guests. We provide the ice chests, ice, paper plates, napkins, spoons, and a gift for the guest of honor. Additional party packages are available on our website. Guests searching for an all-inclusive option can add food, drinks, and party favors."

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The Duke departs from Dauphin Island Marina, which is located at 650 LeMoyne Drive, Dauphin Island. www.actionoutdoors.org; reservations@actionoutdoors.org. Dauphin Island Marina

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Christmas in July Boutique Bash 2017

Join us from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 22, at The Grounds. This will be a fantastic day of shopping, food, and fun! We will have something for everyone including food trucks, shopping for the ladies, a "Man Cave" for the men, and pictures with our summer ready Santa for the littles. Enjoy shopping many boutiques and businesses from Mobile and surrounding areas all while supporting the Whatever Ministry! The purpose of Whatever Ministry is to empower young girls and women by helping them find their true beauty, value, and purpose. Mark your calendars and get your tickets today! VIP wristbands will also be available for an additional fee. These wristbands will allow you to receive discounts and free products from our vendors! They pay for themselves! Please visit whatevergirlsevent.wixsite.com/whatever for more information.

Mobile Bay Parents I July 2017

“Willy Wonka – The Musical”

Join us for The Playhouse in the Park’s production of "Willy Wonka – The Musical,” based on the classic 1964 book by Roald Dahl. The stage musical follows Charlie Bucket's adventures inside the famed Wonka Chocolate Factory. Owned by eccentric candy maker Willy Wonka, the factory tour is open to only the five lucky children (and their guardians) who find an elusive golden ticket. Show dates are Friday through Sunday, July 21 through August 13. Showtimes are Fridays & Saturdays 7:30 p.m. and Sunday Matinees at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults and $14 for students and seniors. For reservations, call 251-602-0630. All performances at the Playhouse-in-the-Park, 4851 Museum Drive - Mobile, (across from the Mobile Museum of Art in Langan Park). Visit us at www.playhouseinthepark.org - 251-602-0630 or on Facebook at Playhouse in the Park, Mobile.

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Are You Ready For Your Girl To Start Kindergarten?

Is your daughter ready for kindergarten? Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (GSSA) is inviting girls starting kindergarten in the fall of 2017 to register for Girl Scouts. Girl Scouts gives girls of all ages a supportive space to take chances, try new things, and learn to succeed through failure—improving all aspects of their lives. The Girl Scout Research Institute (GSRI) found the variety of activities offered through Girl Scouts—from planning and leading projects to participating in community service and outdoor expeditions—allows girls to gain skills and confidence that also help them do well in school. “It’s not just girls’ confidence and attitude that improve through Girl Scouts-they also become better students,” GSSA CEO Karlyn Edmonds said. “Through Girl Scouts, girls learn not to avoid difficult tasks and they become stronger challenge-seekers, who are more likely to feel academically engaged and competent as a result. GSRI reports that at least 75 percent of girls who experience the fun of “learning by doing” and are part of a girlled program become better at conflict resolution, problem solving, team building and cooperation, and developing self-confidence. Through experiences like these, kindergartners can learn how to unleash their inner G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader). For more information on how Girl Scouts can help navigate your girl through this new adventure, visit girlscoutssa.org or text DAISY to 59618.

The Shoppes at Bel Air Celebrates 50th Anniversary through ‘50 Days of Giving’ Program

The Shoppes at Bel Air is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. To commemorate a half-century as an integral part of Mobile, The Shoppes is carrying out its 50 Days of Giving program in which it partners with local nonprofits to bring awareness to each one’s cause during their respective 50-day tenure in the mall. From June 9 - July 29, it is partnering with McKemie Place and Lifelines Counseling Services of Mobile, Inc. Lifelines will host Help Me Grow developmental screenings for families each Wednesday to connect families to health and developmental resources so children can start school healthy and ready to succeed. On July 13, from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Consumer Credit Counseling Services, a division of Lifelines, will host a Financial Reality Fair for high school students. The interactive opportunity allows students to plan a real-life budget based on a certain career choice and starting salary. The goal is to help them understand and gain the skills required to manage their expenditures and the financial challenges they will face when they start life on their own. To register for the financial course visit https://goo.gl/forms/HANMNQhZ1BGPKKTx2, or they can call the CCCS office at 251-602-0011. Additionally, McKemie Place will host a donation drive on July 13 to collect items for the women that the shelter benefits. For a list of needed items for McKemie Place visit http://mckemieplace.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/OurNeeds_REVISE.pdf.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

Signs of Food Allergies A very important part of any social gathering – especially birthday parties – is the food! So much effort goes into theme-inspired birthday cakes, snacks and food decoration to make it delicious and perfect. But there are extra considerations if your child or someone you know attending the party has a food allergy. Food allergies can develop at any time in someone’s life, but the most likely time to notice new food allergies are in early childhood. About 5% of young children have food allergies, and about 4% of adults have at least one allergy to a food. Notice, that the prevalence of people with food allergies decreases in the older age group, meaning that a person can outgrow a food allergy. People with a personal history or family history of eczema,

asthma, or food allergies are at slightly higher risk of developing a food allergy themselves. Up to 33% of the population have a food intolerance, which can have similar symptoms to a food allergy, but it is not life-threatening. Some signs of a food allergy and food intolerance are vomiting, diarrhea, and hives or another rash. However, a food allergy (as opposed to food intolerance) can lead to wheezing, difficulty breathing, throat closing, and lip swelling – or what we call anaphylaxis – after multiple exposures to the same food over time. The eight most common types of food allergies are cow’s milk, eggs, fish, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat. Food allergies can be life-threatening, so if a food allergy is suspected, you should be seen by your doctor and likely an allergy specialist. If you have a true food allergy, you definitely need to avoid that specific food and carry an EpiPen on you at all times.

Pediatricians usually recommend waiting until around one year of age to start introducing the high-risk allergy food groups into a child’s diet. However, over decades studies look at different risks and benefits of early vs. late introduction of these foods, and the recommendations change accordingly. There is a new study now suggesting that the risk of developing a food allergy may actually be decreased if you introduce some of these foods before one year old. This is just a testament to how medicine and health recommendations continue to change the more we learn! So discuss with your doctor the best and safest way to introduce new foods to your child as he grows, and what to do if you think your child might have a food allergy.

P as s enc FC

Jennifer Adair, M.D., was born and raised in Mobile. She joined Children’s Medical Group in July 2013 and currently practices at their Airport office. Jennifer and her husband, Cory, reside in Mobile with their dogs, Fitz and Barkley.

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Autauga County Schools

Kearria Freed Speaks to Phillips Preparatory’s FCA Students

Phillips Preparatory’s Fellow Christian Athletes (FCA) invited Kearria Freed as a guest speaker during one of their Wednesday morning meetings. Kearria spoke to about 100 students about having hope, faith and love! She also encouraged them to work very hard to achieve their goals in life! Pictured are FCA Sponsor Bethany Martin; FCA Sponsor Calvin Turnipseed; Counselor Madonna Burden; and guest speaker Kearria Freed.

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St. Dominic Students Portray Influential Alabamians in “Dr. Hill Show”

St. Dominic Catholic School students in Grade 4 recently participated in the “Dr. Hill Show”. Students, who portrayed various people who were important in Alabama history, were interviewed by Mrs. Martha Hill. Here Gavin Murphy, who was portraying our first governor William Wyatt Bibb, is interviewed by “Dr. Hill”.

Dodge Eagle 26.2 Club Members Complete Fitness, Reading, and Service Requirements

The Dodge Eagle 26.2 running club promotes fitness, reading, and service through its membership guidelines. The club is open to all students. Students must attend club meetings regularly running at least 26.2 miles throughout the year, run at least three community races, make their Accelerated Reading goal each quarter, and do 26 hours of community service. These students met all of these requirements this school year. Front row – Braxton Henry, Emery Jones, Chris Levy, Luke Carlisle. Back row – Katie Ruth Rudd, Henry Bylinowski, Grace Samarripa, Ben Bylinowski.

MCPSS Film Festival Best in Show Winners

More than 220 videos were submitted from 27 schools in this year’s MCPSS Film Festival, which culminated with an awards ceremony at Murphy High School’s auditorium last month. Winners and runners-up in elementary, middle, high school and teacher divisions were selected in the following categories -- comedy, commercials, dance (high school only), documentary, drama, how-to, music, and news – along with Best in Show winners for elementary, middle and high schools, as well as teachers. The Best in Show winners were: •Lilly Grace Bolton and Lallie Hays (pictured) of Griggs Elementary for “A Tour of Mobile” •Sarah Sims of Dunbar Magnet for “Code Red” •Amanda Watson of Baker High School for “After the Bell Rings” •Justin Tolbert, Emma Clark and Sara Shahin of Baker High in the Teachers category for “Doppleganger”. 11

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Autauga County SchoolsMuffins for Moms at

MGM Students Attend Alabama Boys and Girls State

Congratulations to Daniel Cook, Makenna Crone, Hugh Mitchell, Julia Dryton, and Trevor Griffin for being chosen to represent Mary G. Montgomery High School at this year’s Alabama Boys and Girls State. Alabama Boys State is sponsored by the American Legion, and Alabama Girls State is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary. In both programs, young men and women from all over the state of Alabama are selected by their schools to attend a week-long mock government program where they learn about local, state, and national government policies and procedures. Students campaign for political offices, draft bills, and work collaboratively to efficiently run their mock governments. Both Boys and Girls State are held at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

Dodge Elementary

To celebrate moms on Mother’s Day, Dodge Elementary PTA hosted a Muffins for Moms breakfast. Moms and their students were treated to a delightful breakfast, then walked students to class where they were given a special surprise. We appreciate our Dodge moms and all that they do for us!

Bright Beginnings Art Club 2017

Dawes Intermediate Teacher Named Alabama’s Teacher of the Year

BBA Art Club formed in early spring 2017 under the expertise of Ms. Cathy McGaughy. Art Club members remained after school one day a week to learn special techniques not taught in regular art class. The students concentrated on pencil drawings of horses, birds, and peacocks. Oftentimes the pencil drawing turned into an exquisite art piece whether oil on canvas, colored pencil, or oil pastels. The Art Club celebrated its last class of the season in May with a tea for mother and student. The mothers were presented with amazing teacup portraits. The students are already looking forward to next year’s Art Club with Ms. Cathy.

Chasity Collier, a fifth-grade teacher at Dawes Intermediate, has been named the Teacher of the Year for the state of Alabama. Collier will serve as the state's ambassador for public education and the teaching profession throughout the upcoming school year. Collier, a 19-year educator who also served as an Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) coach from 2008-2015, also will be Alabama's nominee for National Teacher of the Year.

Covenant Christian School Ukulele Group Performs for Kindergartners

On Friday, May 19th, Covenant Christian School's Music Department presented their final concert of the school year. A very excited audience of K5 students were treated to the special ukulele group, "The Malihinis". These talented young performers played a variety of K5 favorites! Mobile Bay Parents I July 2017

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Saints Training Staff Visits Dixon Elementary

Allentown Creates Map of U.S. on Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Playground

The Saints Training staff visited Dixon Elementary's 4th and 5th graders on April 26. They teamed up with Fuel Up To Play 60 to teach our scholars about nutrition and the importance of exercise. All of Dixon's ambassadors were recognized with a certificate and special Saints goodies. Amare Johnson, Alabama's State Ambassador, was awarded with special prizes. The Saints' mascot, Gumbo, entertained the crowd at Dixon's pep rally. Afterwards, students participated in various trainings and obstacles, just like the real Saints football team does. This was an exciting day, and Dixon is proud to be awarded this honor as the only elementary school in Mobile County!

AT&T Pioneers and Allentown Elementary recently teamed up to create a map of the United States on the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playground. Members of the AT&T Pioneers provided the manpower to create the outline for the map and faculty, students and parents were responsible for painting the map. Paint was donated by BLP-Mobile Paints. The teachers at Allentown were furnished a CD with ideas on how to incorporate the map into their lessons. Allentown students love their new map!

Please email School News to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com by the 7th of the month.

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Autauga County Schools

Artwork In Memory of Veteran Presented to St. Paul’s

Mrs. Margaret Coley presented a special piece of artwork to Mrs. Leslie Lerner in memory of Major John Jacobson who passed away this past April. The artwork was commemorated by J.D. Crowe. Major John Jacobson (known to many as “Mr. Jack”) turned 106 years “young” this past October and Mrs. Lerner organized a surprise birthday party on St. Paul’s campus. Major Jack Jacobson was General Patton’s Quartermaster during WWII. He served his country in many ways and continued to “serve” in the sunset years of his life. To quote Mr. Jack, “another day to live is another day to serve.” Giving to others… uplifting others …at the end of the day it is truly not what we have …but how we treat others that matters most. St. Paul’s was honored to have a special relationship with Mr. Jack!

May Crowning at St. Dominic Catholic School

As May is the month dedicated to Mary, our Blessed Mother, St. Dominic Catholic School first communicants have the privilege of leading the May Crowning. Here Caroline Howell prepares to crown Mary as Audrey Godwin and Sophie May prepare to lay flowers at her feet.

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UMS-Wright Recognizes Lower School Reading “Millionaires”

UMS-Wright welcomed 30 students into the “Millionaire Club” for the 2016-17 school year. After reading a million words or more during the school year, they celebrated with a trip to Get Air! Congratulations to the following students: Alexander Bridges, Anne Margaret Bridges, Liza Brock, Frances Brown, Coleman Callaway, Caroline Cole, Parker Crabtree, Hunter Dabbs, Killion Delaney, Mae Mae Druhan, Alex Hallberg, Walt Hamil, Jeff Holston, Charlie Jeffrey, Sarah Ladd, Percy Manders, Emma Marmande, Kate Mattei, Jewel McCrary, Madeline McMurphy, Alex Moore, Caroline Outlaw, Kingston Phan, Blair Rodning, Bennett Roe, Luke Romano, Will Seifert, Camden Taylor, Jillian Vickers, and Sarah Woodford.

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Phillips Preparatory Student Places in Alabama Science & Engineering Fair

Congratulations to MaKensey Alford who placed second in the Zoology and Botany Division at State of Alabama Science and Engineering Fair in Huntsville. This event was held on April 6th and 7th, and invitations were sent only to students placing 1st, 2nd, or 3rd at their regional science fair. In addition to placing second in the state in her division, MaKensey also was invited to the National Middle School Science Fair.

St. Mary Catholic 8th Grade Honors St. Mary Catholic School 8th Graders were honored at the annual commencement Mass and Ceremony held this year on May 24. The awards sponsored by the St. Mary Knights of Columbus Council 13163 include The Rev. Msgr. Peter J. Cunningham Award, 4.0 GPA Awards, and Altar Server Recipients. Pictured are this year's Rev. Msgr. Peter J. Cunningham Award Winners: Meghan Stein and Ulysses Holbert.

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Autauga County Schools Lighthouse Baptist Academy’s Kindergarten Graduation

Tuesday, May 16, was the Lighthouse Baptist Academy Kindergarten graduation! “The Little Red Hen” showcased our K-4 and K-5 programs in phonics, Bible songs, memory verses, and reading skills. The K-5 students recited a Bible verse from memory for every letter of the alphabet! A huge thank you to our Kindergarten teachers, Ms. Erika De Anjou and Miss Chelsea Watkins for all of the hard work and practice that went into the night’s performance!

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St. Luke’s Seniors Receive Over $4.5 Million in Scholarships

The St. Luke's Class of 2017 is off to great places! The 42 members of the Senior Class received over $4.5 million dollars in scholarships (over $106,000 average/student). Forty one percent scored a 29 or higher on the ACT and seventy four percent received merit based scholarships. The students received 30 Presidential Scholarships, 17 were accepted to Honors Colleges or Honor Programs and six committed to play sports at the collegiate level. PA Big Sunflower Ad.qxp_Layout 1 5/15/17 4:04 PM Page 1

Mobile Bay Parents I July 2017

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End of School Year at Little Flower Catholic

Students at Little Flower Catholic School were anxious to be finished with studying and testing as summer drew near. The final days of school still required studying and paying attention, so a few minutes of relaxation were appreciated by these hard-working students. Shown taking a break from studies are (L to R) Abby Grosvenor, Gigi Gardner, Jaxon Weaver, and Caroline Browne.

Get lost and have fun on a farm! MAZE OPEN OCTOBER - NOVEMBER St. Pius Students Receive Top Honors

Eight graders My-Linh Nguyen and Skyler Alvarez were awarded the top academic honors at their eighth grade graduation. The awards are given each year to the students with the top cumulative standardized test scores and GPAs.

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Autauga CountyUMS-Wright Schools Chess Team Places in

CHCA Honors Class of 2017

The graduation ceremony for the 2017 graduating class of Cottage Hill Christian Academy was held at Cottage Hill Baptist Church on May 26. The commencement address was delivered by Dr. Tim Smith, President of the University of Mobile. The CHCA Class of 2017 has been awarded over $5.9 million in merit based scholarship offers while the top half of the class averaged 27.5 on the ACT. We are excited to see what God has planned for the CHCA of the class of 2017.

the Top Ten at National Tournament

The UMS-Wright Chess Team traveled to Nashville, Tennessee in early May to participate in one of the largest chess tournaments ever held, Super Nationals VI. Super Nationals VI is held every four years combining the Elementary, Middle School, and High School championships into one huge event. This year, the tournament had 5,500 players participate representing 49 states! At the end of the competition, UMSWright walked away with two top-ten finishes! Congratulations to Coach Nager and the chess team members: Joe Druhan, Clayton Davidson, Alex Moore, Ameen Shaikh, Conner Fowler, Hufton Parker, Tommy Hansknecht, Dalton Turner, Scooter Burmeister, Max Block, Garrett Li, Ethan Palacio, and Sam Norris.

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Junior Achievement Programs Presented to McDavid-Jones Students

McDavid-Jones Partner in Education, Arkema, came to school Friday, May 19th and presented a program through Junior Achievement that â&#x20AC;&#x153;helps prepare young people for the real world by showing them how to generate wealth and effectively manage it. How to create jobs which make their communities more robust, and how to apply entrepreneurial thinking to the workplace. Students put these lessons into action and learn the value of contributing to their communities.â&#x20AC;? The students really enjoyed the day learning new ways of thinking about their community. We would like to thank Ms. Collen DeVoe, with Junior Achievement for making this possible. We would also like to thank Arkema employees, Ms. Judy Smith, Ms. Sara Colmer, Mr. Mike Deese, Mr. Brett Nobles, and Mr. Josh West who presented the program to our fifthgrade classes. Pictured are Cheyenne Dykes and Sara Colmer.

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St. Ignatius 4th Graders Hold Wax Museum The St. Ignatius 4th grade Alabama History class held a wax museum in May. Each student drew the name of a famous Alabamian and researched that person. They then performed a speech about the person's life. Pictured here are Lee Vella Courtney, Samantha Gerardi, Ava Kleinpeter and Mary Parish Hutchisson.

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Autauga County Schools

Chick-fil-A Scholarship Recipient in Mobile

We’re proud to announce that Adam Thomas, a Team Member at the Bel Air Mall Chick-fil-A, has received a scholarship through Chick-fil-A’s Remarkable Futures initiative. Adam was one of 3,424 students around the country chosen to receive $2,500 to begin or continue their education at the educational institute of their choice. Adam plans to use the funds to attend Morehouse College in the fall. Each of Chick-fil-A’s 2017 scholarship recipients were nominated by their restaurant’s independent franchise operator and were chosen from thousands of team member students throughout the country to receive this scholarship based on factors like leadership and community involvement, in addition to academic achievement. Chick-fil-A expanded its scholarship initiative this year, giving team members nationwide a total of nearly $9 million in 2017 toward the higher education institution of their choice. These funds can be used at any accredited institute of higher education. Whether they choose online, two-year, technical programs or traditional college experiences, Chick-fil-A team members have the flexibility to get the education that’s right for them. And, all Chick-fil-A team members, whether they receive these scholarship funds or not, can get discounts at more than 70 schools through the scholarship initiative.

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Dodge Elementary Congratulates Winners in MCPSS Film Festival

MCPSS hosted its 3rd annual Film Festival on Friday, April 28, 2017 at Murphy High School. Students throughout the district submitted videos in several categories. Local 15’s Darwin Singleton emceed the event. Congratulations to Dodge Elementary winners in the Elementary News Category, Kirah McCarty, Grace Samarripa, and Hannah Duncan.

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Dixon ES Student to Attend Summit at University of Minnesota in July

Amare Johnson is a rising 6th grade student at Dixon Elementary School. He applied for the Fuel Up to Play 60 Student Summit all by himself! It is only open to students entering 6th grade and above. He completed an application online and was selected as the ONLY Alabama State Ambassador. Each state sends one student and their Program Advisor. Amare will be accompanied by his PE coach Mrs. Hussong. The summit will be held July 24-27, 2017 at the University Of Minnesota. You can go online to Youtube.com and see videos from last year's summit.

Mary B. Austin Talent Show Winners

Mary B. Austin held a talent show on Friday, May 5th. The 1st place winner was 3rd grader Jayden Smith. Second place was fifth grader Olivia Jackson. Emily Shumock and Alyssa Davis tied for 3rd place.

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Autauga County Schools

Allentown Elementary School GATOR Kids for May

Kindergarten – 2nd Grade Front Row: Ayden Clark, Ashley Reyes, Mar’Kell Inge, Brycen Wakefield, Caleb Clark Middle Row: Sam Ellis, Amy Zelaya, Harmoni Jones, Annabelle Potts, Payton Davis, Cullen Lee, Heaven Hacker Back Row: Victoria Howell, Kameron Torres, Nathan Williams, Jackson Tillman, Madison Foster, Jordan Mason

3rd Grade - 5th Grade Front Row: Zana Robinson, David Williams, Kaitlyn Young, Kameron Moody, Kennon Lee, Braden McCrory Middle Row: Anna Grace Coleman, Gabriel Brooks, Campbell Myers, Haley Lucious, Avery Davis, Lilah Dunnam Back Row: Noah Mixon, Briahnna Simmons, Emma Rowe, Alyssa Peek, James Addison, Hayden Sullivan

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Faithful Friends Mentoring at McDavid-Jones Elementary

Protect your family. Prepare for their future.

Brother Stan Clayton met with McDavid-Jones Elementary fourth and fifth grade boys every other week this school year. Each week he spoke to the boys about being a good citizen, getting along with others and having a good heart. After Christmas, Mr. Eddie and Bro. Stan helped the boys plant a garden. They planted potatoes, turnips, English peas, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers and watermelons. The boys were taught how to prepare the soil, how many seeds to plant and the correct way to plant them. They helped keep the grass out of the garden. Each week as the vegetables grew Bro. Stan talked about “Planting good seeds in your life”. He told them their life is just like a garden--if they didn’t take care of themselves they would not grow into healthy young people. We had a feast for the boys. We prepared the vegetables they grew and we encouraged them to try the things they had never had before. Like Bro. Stan, their favorite was Potato Soup. This is the eighth year that we have had “Faithful Friends Mentoring” at McDavid-Jones Elementary. They would like to thank everyone who has participated in the program over the years. It means a lot to the students and to the faculty and staff. If you’re interested in volunteering at the school we always need an extra hand.

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Recess at Little Flower Catholic School

Lower school students at Little Flower Catholic School gathered on the climbing bars during the last days of school. When asked about their favorite part of the day at school, the unanimous answer was recess. Sharing time with friends at recess makes memories that last a lifetime.

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Autauga County Schools

Planetarium Visits Old Shell Road School

Bright Beginnings Art Expo 2017

BBA faculty, students, families, and friends celebrated its 3rd annual art show. Watercolor paintings from French Impressionist Claude Monet were among the highlights of the evening. Every student produced a painting from “Monet’s Garden”. The collection was exquisite. The audience awed in amazement as two new art genres were added to this year’s art show: foil techniques and the design of robots. Robotic art consisted of freestanding, three-dimensional, working robots, as well as painted canvases. The robots were incredible. Art studies evolved around landscape and architecture. The students produced beautiful landscape portraits while learning about perspective. Art exhibits encompassing architecture included student art work of castles and Victorian homes. Other art work included geometric abstraction from the upper class. It was amazing. “Sunflowers in a Vase” brightened the room, as well as, beautiful self-portraits from each of the students. The Art Club added a special section with their beautiful drawings of peacocks. This year’s art expo is complete with each student’s rendition of a fidget spinner. Oftentimes, the stores are sold out of this unique gadget. But BBA lives on with the trendy paintings from its students. Thank you Ms. Cathy for always exceeding our expectations!

The Planetarium came to Old Shell Road School of Creative and Performing Arts after the entire first grade studied patterns of the sky and the seasons. This photo shows Mrs. Walter's entire first grade class preparing to go inside.

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Mobile County Athletes Performed Well in Special Olympics State Games

The Mobile county team of 35 Special Olympics athletes traveled to Troy University in May with 14 coaches and chaperones and in track and field; baseball; bocce; rhythmic gymnastics; golf and equestrian events. They won 43 gold medals, 21 silver medals, five bronze medals, seven fourth-place ribbons and one fifth-place ribbon. Andrew Hubbard posted the fastest time in the 100 meters at 12.75 seconds. Andrew and Jackson Wilson tied with the fastest time in the 200 meters at 26.48 seconds. Vrae Murphy beat all competition in the 400 meters with a time of 1:01.63. The MCPSS 4×100 relay team of Jackson Wilson, Keyon Peters, Andrew Hubbard and Vrae Murphy posted the fastest time in the relay at 52.35 seconds. Overall, the athletes earned: •10 gold medals in equestrian •3 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze in golf •6 gold, 4 silver in rhythmic gymnastics •2 silvers and 4 ribbons in bocce •5 golds in baseball •19 golds, 12 silvers, 3 bronze and 4 ribbons in track and field.

St. Luke’s Cheerleaders Receive Awards at Cheer Camps

The St. Luke's JV and Varsity cheerleaders had outstanding experiences at their cheer camps. The varsity squad finished first place overall receiving all top, superior ratings during their week of competition. They have been invited to cheer at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando! The JV squad had all Superior ribbons, finished as 3rd place Dance Champs, and 2nd place Game Day Champs!

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Autauga County Schools E.R. Dickson Fifth Graders Present Ecological Mini-Dissertations for Project Dickson

About 150 fifth-graders at E. R. Dickson Elementary School in Mobile presented mini-dissertations on May 31, sharing science research they had been conducting for months to their parents and friends. Working in teams of five, the students gave presentations multiple times throughout the morning to different audiences on topics ranging from “Recycling Like a Pro” to “There’s An Animal Invasion,” and from “Oh No! Not Another Oil Spill” to “Keep Calm and Stop Polluting.” Project Dickson, dubbed as “An Ecological Call to Action,” took place in various classrooms throughout the campus. Along with parents and friends, fourth-graders were invited to attend, take notes and ask questions. Principal Katrina Kinn said the students met with scientists a few months ago and came up with their own topics. Mrs. Kinn greeted parents and other visitors – including Mobile County Commissioner Connie Hudson, State Sen. Rusty Glover, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Lynda Carroll, and Talents Unlimited Supervisor Kelly Lomax – and told them the students had worked hard on the research – with each group creating its own thesis – and were prepared to answer any questions.

St. Mary Catholic Mustang Walk!

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St. Mary Parish welcomed back the St. Mary Catholic School Class of 2013, the newest high school grads of 2017 for the annual Mustang Walk! Decked out in their high school caps and gowns, they stormed the halls of their alma mater and afterward enjoyed a luncheon and viewing of their St. Mary 8th grade slide show. With plenty of smiles, cheers and high-fives from the St. Mary Catholic School little Mustangs, faculty and staff, this group enjoyed a celebration of a very important milestone in their lives.

E.R. Dickson Reader of the Year

Congratulations to Justus Buchanan who was E.R. Dickson’s Reader of the Year. Mrs. Kinn, principal, and Mrs. Wilcox, assistant principal, presented Justus with the Reader of the Year award at the End of the Year Accelerated Reader Ceremony on May 18th. Justus took over 70 Accelerated Reader tests. He maintained above a 93 average on all his AR tests. He also earned 400 points through the Accelerated Reader program which accumulated to over 2,769,000 words read during the 2016 – 2017 school year. Congratulations to Justus and his teacher Mrs. Sigler.

Mobile County Providing Free Meals to Children this Summer

Mobile County Public Schools’ Child Nutrition Program renewed its Summer Feeding Services this month at two sites: Augusta Evans Special School and Cranford Burns Middle School. Food service for these two locations began on June 12, and continue until July 13. Meals will be served free of charge to children under the age of 18 from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. each day. In addition, 21 schools will be served by Feeding the Gulf Coast this summer. They are: Calcedeaver, Collins-Rhodes, Dixon, E.R. Dickson, John Will, Leinkauf, Morningside and Wilmer elementary schools; Scarborough Middle School; and B.C. Rain, Baker, Blount, Bryant, Citronelle, Davidson, LeFlore, Mary Montgomery, Murphy, Theodore, Vigor and Williamson high schools. Visit feedingthegulfcoast.org for more information or, to find the Feeding the Gulf Coast site nearest you and feeding dates and times for each, text FOOD to 877-877 and provide your zip code. Mobile Bay Parents I July 2017

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Cottage Hill Christian Academy All County Female Athletes

Athletes from schools around Mobile County were honored as members of the 2017 All-County Team in a ceremony at Abba Temple on May 21. The athletes were nominated by area coaches based on their performances during the season. The Lady Warriors that were recognized from Cottage Hill Christian Academy are as follows: Volleyball: Jasmine Vo, Softball: Rachel Fleck, Meagan Oliver, and Brooklin Thompson (CHCA Athlete of the Year nominee), Track and Field: Catherine Bryson, Lanna Young, and Katherine Allred, Soccer: Rhea Warren and Meagan Riordan. We are proud of these ladies and how these represent CHCA.

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Covenant Christian Track Team

The Covenant Christian 6th grade and under Track Team completed their season this spring with the Mobile Area Youth Track and Field Program. Participants included (back row, left to right) Colton Moody, Tyler Rowland, Morgan Fulford, Jonathan Rush, Cade Horton, Kyndall Waller, Ella Havard, Kathy Hacker, Coach Lisa Rush. (Front row) Drew Revelle, Howie Johnson, Graci Havens, Gideon Havens, Zoe Harvey, Reagan Baggett, and Addie Hall. Victoria Slade and Kenneth Nguyen are not pictured. In the Championship Meet held at St. Luke's, top six finishers included Kyndall Waller in the long jump (5th) and Jonathan Rush in the 800m run (5th).

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Autauga County Schools

Cartoon Day at St. Pius X

Dixon Elementary Wins Award at MCPSS Film Festival

St. Pius X celebrated Spirit Week with Cartoon Day. Pictured here are 11 of the 101 Dalmatians.

This was the 3rd year that Mobile County Public School System hosted their annual 2017 Film Festival. It was held in the auditorium at Murphy High School. There were over 300 video submissions, but only one winner per category. Dixon Elementary submitted 14 videos, with 3 videos making it to the Film Festival as possible winners. Dixon won its first trophy in the Music Teacher Category! Next year Dixon plans to enter even more videos and win many more trophies! Go Dolphins!

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Discovery Education Nominates St. Elmo Elementary’s Media Specialist as a Rising STAR

Discovery Education recognized a local teacher among 52 educators nationwide for innovation in the classroom. Laura Dawes, the media specialist at St. Elmo Elementary School in south Mobile County, was the only Alabama educator to be recognized by the organization this year as a “Rising STAR.” According to the Discovery Education nominator: “I have watched Laura blossom over the past academic year. She has reached out beyond her comfort zone to embrace the power of the community, building her PLN and helping others to build theirs. I know it took some convincing but even more courage for her to step outside of herself and guide others, but we are all richer for it.” Dawes, who has been the media specialist at St. Elmo for 12 years, is part of an initiative in which Mobile County Public Schools has partnered with Discovery Education to give media specialists a leadership role in teaching students and their teachers to use technology in the classroom.

Six Local Educators’ Names Added to Giving Tree

Mobile County Public Schools Superintendent Martha Peek added six new names to the district’s Giving Tree, located in the lobby of the Academic Affairs Building at Central Office. The honorees are: •Chasity Collier, Alabama’s Teacher of the Year •Tami May, Mobile County’s Secondary Teacher of the Year •Dr. Amanda Jones, Alabama’s Chiquita Marbury Technology Innovation Award •Julie Neidhardt, Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science •Virginia Hall, Alabama’s Outstanding Earth Science Teacher •Andrea Kohutek, National Geographic Certified Educator. Peek said she is proud of these teachers for all that they give of themselves: their knowledge, compassion, professionalism and more. She was joined by board member Don Stringfellow, Central Office administrators, principals and others for the recognition. The school system dedicated The Giving Tree in 2011 and has been adding leaves to the tree every year since. The tree contains the names of educators who have been named countywide Teacher of the Year or who have won either statewide or national awards. Pictured are, from left, Peek, Jones, Kohutek, Hall, Neidhardt, Collier and District 2 school board Commissioner Don Stringfellow. Mobile Bay Parents I July 2017

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STEM at St. Ignatius

It was an exciting year for STEM at St. Ignatius. All students 3rd-8th grade participated in the Science Fair. Each student was able to do a group project. All projects were presented and those in top, competed against one another for the prize in 3rd-5th grade division and the 6th-8th grade division. This project pictured was performed by Caroline Carrington, Mimi Strain and Frances Muscat. They determined how many rubber bands it took to make the watermelon explode.

St. Paul’s Student Wins Essay Contest

Congratulations to 10th grader Caroline Vegas for winning the Optimist Regional Essay Contest. Caroline’s essay entitled “Chasing Optimism in the Face of Challenges” was one of three essays that was recognized and is now eligible for the Optimist International Essay award worth $2500 in college scholarship money. Here is an excerpt from Caroline’s winning essay: What is optimism? I think of optimism as looking at a glass “half-full” rather than a glass “half-empty.” Optimistic people are the ones who make progress and illuminate the world. Having a positive and courageous attitude during obstacles, can turn a negative situation into a positive outcome. Evidence of optimistic people who have changed the world, our nation, and our community can be seen everywhere. An optimistic attitude makes the world a better place by the act of being positive, being courageous, and being around good influences; these acts contribute to a better world.

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Autauga County Schools

Sea Cadets Honor Military Members, Past and Present

Dunlap Division, of the US Naval Sea Cadets, spent the month of May honoring those who have and are currently serving in our armed forces. On Saturday May 20th, Armed Forces Day, the unit participated in the Blue Star Salute aboard the USS Alabama. This year's ceremony commemorates the 100th anniversary of WWI and the birth of the blue star banner. Dunlap Division had the honor of laying a wreath off the bow of the Alabama and manning the rails during the ceremony. Later that morning the public had an opportunity to watch our brave Coast Guardsmen at work. Members of the USCG flew from ATC Mobile to the battleship to demonstrate a rescue swimmer being lowered onto and lifted off of the ship. On Memorial Day, Dunlap Division color guard was honored to present the colors for the ceremony at the Mobile National Cemetery and remember those who have given their lives for our great nation. Naval Sea Cadets is designed for young men and women ages 10 to high school graduation who are interested in expanding their knowledge of our military. The sea cadets instill patriotism and leadership skills. Dunlap division meets one weekend a month at the U.S. Coast Guard Aviation Center in Mobile, and the cadets are under no obligation to join the military; however, if they do decide to enlist they are usually eligible to enlist at a higher pay grade. The program offers ROTC scholarships. If you or someone you know may be interested in joining our local unit as a cadet or adult leader, visit our national website at www.seacadets.org or contact our administrative officer ENS Angela Graham at angela.graham@hotmail.com. You may also follow our local unit Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DunlapDivision

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Mobile Students Receive Paid Summer Internships with Local Businesses

One hundred ten Mobile County Public Schools students have been matched with 38 local businesses for paid summer internships. The students learned which businesses they’ll intern with during Match Day at MCPSS’ Central Office. This is Mobile County Public Schools’ second year to sponsor these internships, which will help prepare our students to be college and career ready. Thanks to more participation by local businesses, the number of internships has increased over last year. Larry Mouton, MCPSS’ Assistant Superintendent of Workforce Development, said the internships are part of a process started six years ago, when the system forged partnerships with local businesses and industries to create its high school Signature Academy programs. “These businesses and industries step up and offer the kids a chance to work in the environment with professionals and learn new skills,” Mouton said. “Every aspect of business and industry you can think of, we’ve got students who are interested, we’ve got careers right here – we’ve got them in this room – and we’ll continue to work to make sure our kids can be successful.”

Old Shell Road Dance Company Performs School’s Spring Show

The Old Shell Road Dance Company is a group of 4th and 5th grade students from Old Shell Road School of Creative and Performing Arts. Under the direction of Mrs. Kristin Campbell, they perform several times throughout the year for the school and community. Just recently, they performed for the school’s spring show titled “Crusin’ Mobile” which highlighted famous landmarks and events throughout the city of Mobile. Photo, Back Row (L to R): Carly Lewis, Kirklyn Thurman, Amani King, Hailey Youngblood, Ava Purvis, Taylor Williams, JaMarria McCollins. Middle Row (L to R): Jordyn Milhouse, Breeana Tran-Harris, Jaicee Massey, Lily Hill, Lailah Gray. Front Row (L to R): Madalyn Gentry, Aneliese Waldrop, Tiana Joshi, GayBrielle Martin, Leah Wicks, Krista Pledger.

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Toys That Build a Balancing Act

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Balance is key to reaching many of a child’s developmental milestones. Raising their head, pulling up to a stand, taking their first steps are all achieved when a baby finds and hones their balance. It’s marvelous how our bodies take in a variety of stimulus while making a multitude of minute adjustments, all to achieve a physical equilibrium. As kids grow and change, their bodies benefit from constant new challenges that calibrate and improve their balancing abilities. The following recommendations are ideal for encouraging and building a child’s sense of balance as they grow.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Ice Cream Balance Game

Teeter Popper (Fat Brain)

Offering a versatile range of play options, the Teeter Popper from Fat Brain encourages all kinds of balancing moves for the kid in control. Cupped in the curve for seated maneuvers, young athletes can wobble and spin their way to better balance. Improved coordination follows when kids take a stand on the edges, twisting and tilting the Teeter Popper. Especially cool for kids who love the satisfaction of popping bubble wrap, the suction cups peppered around the bottom of this gadget generate rapid-fire pops as they engage and disengage with a hard floor. An irresistible sensory challenge for kids, the multiple moves they create with the Teeter Popper are all part of building better balance.

A delicately perched desert stand is ready to host the sweet challenge of players vying to build the best confection without knocking the whole tray over. While it can be played solo as a balance building challenge, this game is most rewarding when multiple dessert chefs take turns using tongs to select and place the colorful cookies, cones and ice cream scoops on the tower without disturbing other pieces. As players strive to build a balanced diet of ice cream, the risk increases with each play that the tasty tower will topple. Supporting the development of steady hands and cool coordination, only the best balancing act will finish dessert first.

Gonge River Stones

Kids Balance Cushion, Jr.

Leaping from stone to stone at the creek’s edge is an outdoor rite of passage for many youth. But when the pebbled steps of the waterways aren’t available, Gonge’s River Stones replicate the experience in both indoor and dry land settings. Placed in a path of their own design this set of six steps offer varying degrees of steepness and difficulty for young adventurers making their way from stone to stone. The sturdy rubber marked bases offer stability as well as a measure of protection for floor surfaces. As children build their confidence and improve coordination, they can create new balancing challenges as they reconfigure their high and dry paths across imaginary rivers (or the lava floor).

Parents of kids with ‘the wiggles’ have welcomed the Kids Balance Cushion as a fun solution to help keep little ones centered. Directing their energy into the multiple and minute body adjustments needed to maintain their balance, this cushion’s subtle design keeps kids using their extra energy to stay centered. Maximizing ‘active sitting’ balance cushions have been a positive tool to cultivate better posture and improve physical focus for more restless children. The surface nubbins provide tactile stimulation as well as gripping action to keep sitters centered. With a deceptively simple structure the Gaiam balance cushion offers a complex set of rewarding outcomes for kids as they channel their surplus energy into staying seated.

(Little Treasures)

(Gaiam)

(Gonge)

Gerry Paige Smith is a syndicated columnist recommending the best products for kids and their families. Discover more at www.PageBookMedia.com

Mobile Bay Parents I July 2017

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As my teenage daughter’s birthday was approaching, I asked her if she wanted to have a party with some friends. “I guess,” she answered in her typical non-committal way. While she thought she could have a killer party by just inviting friends, ordering pizza and plugging her phone into a speaker, I knew they would spend much of the party concentrating on their phones instead of each other. Instead, I offered her a few teen party ideas that I hoped would serve as the “warm up band” and get her friends moving, laughing and making memories at the killer party my daughter envisioned. Here are the six ideas that we came up with!

9 Mobile Bay Parents I July 2017

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Night at the Club – Turn your basement into a Dance Party or Sports Bar (minus the alcohol, of course). Teens love to Karaoke via your Wii, Playstation or Xbox and dance games like Just Dance gets the party going fast. Consider asking your guests to wear neon or white and set the room in black light. Games like Darts, Pool, Foosball or Air Hockey are usually found in the basement of a family with teens. You can also bring in Cornhole boards and bean bags for a friendly, competitive game. Instead of pizza, try serving nachos, cheese sticks and chicken wings. An 80’s Party – My kids know all

the 80’s songs from Bon Jovi to ZZ Top because they grew up listening to them. At an 80’s themed party guests can dress up as their parents did back in the day. Offer a variety of 80’s games for the kids to play including Simon, Uno, Rubik’s Cube and Atari Flashback (available on Amazon). Keep the party going with “Who Wants to be an 80’s Star” which is a spinoff of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire”. Create 80’s trivia questions with a life line to parents or poll the audience. Serve popular 80’s foods like pizza rolls, jello pudding pops, sloppy joes, and of course, Tab.

Murder Mystery – Not only is

Minute to Win – This is a fun

Amazing Race – An Amazing Race party requires the guests to break up into teams, read and decipher clues and perform challenges in the shortest amount of time. The game can easily be set up in your neighborhood. Set challenges at the park, a neighbor’s backyard or a local business. Game printables can be found on Etsy. Incorporate food in your challenges so everyone is fed, but offer appetizers and desserts before and after the race. Challenge food games may include making a Froot Loop necklace with a certain pattern of colors and then eating it before moving on to the next challenge.

Social Media Party – Ok, if you can’t beat them, join them. This is as close to it comes to just hanging out. Set up a photo booth with props for fun party posts. Play “Find a Post” where players receive points for having posted a particular item on social media – a team logo, their pet, a picture of a Starbucks cup. Serve food that only requires one hand to eat so the teens can continue to eat and Tweet. Try foods you can stick with a toothpick like cheese cubes, cocktail meatballs or cut up fruits and veggies. MBP

a Murder Mystery Party a theme within a theme, it is also a fun way to release your inter-actor. Some themes include the Wild West, a night at the theatre, glamorous millionaires, medieval times, prom or even the holidays. You can find downloadable games online which will include character descriptions, a storyline and directions. Inform your guests ahead of time so they can dress for their role or offer costumes when they arrive. Your meal should revolve around your murder mystery setting.

party for all ages and a simple set up for the party-planning challenged. The guests are given one minute to do a variety of simple challenges, like picking up four dry penne pastas with a dry spaghetti noodle. Players can be individual or broken into teams of 2 or more. Have everyone do the same challenges and keep record of everyone’s times. For game ideas, check out the Minute to Win it website and head to the dollar store for supplies. Food ideas include quick and easy make-it-yourself bars like tacos, pasta or baked potatoes.

Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mother of three teenagers. She is the author of a party game series on Amazon and creator of Pam’s Party Printables on Etsy.

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8 Ways to Spark Summer Reading Most parents want to encourage reading, especially during the summer when kids often have more unstructured time. Now that so much reading occurs online, parents may wonder about the best way to nurture a reading habit. Is reading on a device as good as getting lost in an old-fashioned book? The emerging answer is that both print and digital reading have value, but they promote different ways of thinking. One revealing study found that college students prefer reading online when they are looking for quick information. However, when they really want to dig in and master new material, they turn to paper books. Without the distraction of clicks, students find they engage more deeply and comprehend more of what they read. Students also reported that they liked being able to manipulate physical books—underlining, writing notes in the margins, turning down corners and being able to thumb back to a favorite passage. This study suggests that online reading often resembles snacking--quick, easy to digest, maybe even a little addictive. Physical books offer more of a meal--stimulating and nourishing on many levels. Because kids gravitate naturally to devices (and snacks), parents may want to put a little effort into helping kids discover the pleasures of print. Fortunately, most kids are receptive. A biannual study of reading habits by Scholastic magazine found that 86% of kids think it’s important to be a good reader, and 6 in 10 agreed that, “I really enjoy reading books over the summer.” Here are some ideas about turning that spark into a flame.

Read aloud. In the Scholastic survey, kids 6–11 said that they enjoyed reading aloud, mostly because it was special time with their parents. Even after they can read independently, many kids and even teens enjoy settling in to listen to a good story. Kids who can read for Mobile Bay Parents I July 2017

themselves may enjoy taking turns reading. Or they might like to read dialogue with each child taking on the voice of a different character.

Hunt for books together. In the Scholastic study, 41% of kids said it was hard to find books they wanted to read. Turn the quest for good books into something you do as a family. Visit your local library regularly. Find out if there’s a story hour at the local bookshop. Hunt for bargain books at garage sales and thrift stores. Look for a Free Little Library in your neighborhood or create one of your own (littlefreelibrary.org/). Good lists of recommended books are also available from Reading Rockets (readingrockets. org/books/summer ) and the American Library Association (ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/notalists/ncb). Find books at the right level. Kids

sometimes disconnect from reading when books seem boring because they are too easy or frustrating because they are too hard. If possible, ask your child’s teacher to recommend books that are “just right” for your child. Or zero in on books at the right grade level by using the Scholastic book wizard (scholastic.com/teachers/bookwizard ).

Follow their lead. Like adults, kids read more of what they love. If a child gets hooked on a particular genre, author or series, run with it. And don’t get hung up on format. Magazines, graphic novels and comics can all be a gateway into reading. So can video or board games that include lots of written directions. For really reluctant readers, try activating captions on the television so kids can read along with their favorite shows. Make it social. Enthusiasm for reading is contagious, so encourage kids to share books they like whenever possible. Some kids 36

may enjoy writing reviews on kid-friendly sites like dogobooks.com or spaghettibookclub. org. Kids can also follow favorite authors online. Many interact with readers through local readings or websites that feature games and giveaways. Or consider organizing a summer book club. PBS offers tips about how to get one going (tinyurl.com/njgpk7k).

Find the right incentives. Just keeping a list of books they’ve finished can be motivating for some kids. Others will benefit from a small treat--maybe a gummy “bookworm” or a pack of Smarties. An entire board of clever incentives including Reading Bingo is available on Pinterest (tinyurl.com/lp6krcg). Consider using reading itself as a reward. During the summer, let children stay up an extra hour beyond bedtime--if they are reading. Set aside time. Designate a specific time for family reading. Turning off TV, computers and cellphones makes it clear that reading is a priority. To get a better picture of how your kids are spending summer days, try using the media time calculator as well as the media planner created by Healthy Children (tinyurl.com/z8wbef5). Get creative. Think about fun ways to integrate books into whatever you’re doing this summer. Instead of handing your child a cellphone during wait times, carry a chapter book that you can pull out in a doctor’s waiting room or between games at a tournament. Create a treasure hunt with a new book as the treasure. Have a Reading Picnic where everyone reads outside while munching on sandwiches. Take an audio book on your family road trip. Create a secret reading space by setting up a tent in the backyard or putting a sheet over a card table. Whatever you do, keep it light. If your goal is to have kids who read because they love it, making rules too rigorous or setting expectations too high can be counter-productive. Experts say that reading as few as six books over the summer helps kids avoid the dreaded summer slump. Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing the Growing Up Online column for ten year. She is also the author of Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart. Available at Amazon and Cooperative Wisdom.org. @ Copyright, 2017, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

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Skipping to the Altar Q. My wife and I make good money, and our daughter’s college education is pretty much paid for through pre-paid tuition and scholarships. We just started your plan to get out of debt and take better control of our finances. When we get to Baby Step 5, which is saving for college, can we substitute that with saving for a wedding? A. That would be fine. I’m glad you’re thinking ahead. It’s always a good idea to save toward a wedding if you have the financial resources to do so, because weddings are real and they’re coming. The average wedding in America today runs around $35,000. Of course, you don’t have to pay anywhere near that amount to make it a beautiful occasion. Your household income, debt, savings and other factors will all play into how much you can afford.

Just remember to pay cash for the wedding. If you have to go into debt to make it happen, then you’re talking about too much money. It’s as simple as that. Crunch the numbers with your wife, and see what you two can handle. And remember, there’s absolutely no correlation between the cost of a wedding and the success of the relationship!

Bad Advice From a Bad Friend Q. My husband and I are currently in Baby Step 2, and paying off all our debt except for our home. A friend recently told us to pay off everything except for the credit card debt. She says we can then settle for a far less amount and not have so much money go-

ing out the door. This feels a little unethical to me. What are your thoughts? A. There’s a good reason this idea feel unethical to you — it is unethical! Would a good friend, a smart friend, encourage you to do something as dishonorable as not pay a bill you’re morally and legally obligated to pay? I don’t think so. If you’re able to pay your bills, you pay your bills. It’s as simple as that. Now, if you honestly can’t pay the bill, and you have to settle upon a mutually agreed upon amount with the creditor or collector, then it’s okay at that point to try and reach a settlement. Otherwise, it’s a simple question of ethics. Pay the bill!

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Birthday Traditions You’ll Want to Try By Kerrie McLoughlin

told how they were meant to be brought into the family and how special they are.

Every year when I was a kid my parents would let me choose where I wanted to eat dinner out

2. Birthday letter.

for my birthday. Another birthday tradition they

Every year I type up a birthday letter for each of my children telling them what great things they did and said and learned during the past year. I give the birthday child a copy, then save a copy in a binder and on my computer for myself because we all know kids can’t keep track of stuff. The plan is to give each of my children a copy of all their letters when they move out, which means they’ll have somewhere between 18 and 30 letters to enjoy!

kept going was to have a small party for me with family and friends, including a cookout since I have a June birthday. Kids love to feel special, and it can be a challenge to find the time to come up with ways to make a birthday a knockout. Never fear! Below are 8 ideas for birthday

3. Birthday slideshow.

traditions to start with your own kids. Pick and

With just a few clicks of your mouse you can create a special slideshow using PowerPoint or a similar computer program. Just pop in photos, size them and add cute captions. You can even add some music if you like. After your child watches it about a zillion times, save it to a CD and pop it in a special place (safe deposit box, fireproof box, etc.) so your child will always have it.

choose a few of them each year…and stick with the ones you and your birthday kid love! 1. Rise and shine. I like to wake my kids up on their birthday not with, “Get up! It’s time for school!” but with an extra long snuggle and the condensed version of the day they were born. Who doesn’t like to hear their birth story?! Adopted and foster children can be

Mobile Bay Parents I July 2017

4. Photos. I try to take as many pictures as I can on birthdays and even make sure I’m included in some of them, since I’m the mom

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and all! Later we like to get out old photo albums and the birthday kid’s baby album.

5. Special meal. One of my kids loves the neighborhood restaurant where they sing Happy Birthday and are given a balloon to take home. Another is content heading to the local fast food indoor play area and grabbing bites of food in between trips down the slide. Make at least one meal of the birthday child’s day something out of the ordinary!

6. Special treat. We like to hit the cupcake restaurant or grab huge, frosted cookies from a local baker and share with our friends and neighbors to spread the celebration around. A cheap – and just as special – route would be to make your child’s favorite dessert at home…cookies, cake, banana splits, shakes or ice cream sundaes are always a good bet. Depending on which fruit is in season (or go frozen!), a decadent fruit smoothie made with frozen yogurt could be nice.

7. Party (doesn’t have to be on the actual birthday).

Tuesday Nights Kids Eat Free!

If you get a few gray hairs every time you think of planning a birthday party, don’t fret. Options include: a simple party at your place with just a few people, a bash at a park shelter or a celebration where a local children’s party place does all the work.

8. Birthday weekend sleepover with a few special friends (for kids over age 7).

OriginalOysterHouse.com

Warning: this one is not for the faint of heart! I suggest a maximum of 3 friends to stay the night at your house on a Friday night around the time of your child’s birthday. Order pizza to make life easy on yourself, grab some movies from the library and have them set up their sleeping bags as far away from your bedroom as possible. MBP

Kerrie McLoughlin is the proud and kooky mom of five. Check out their adventures at TheKerrieShow.com.

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ellenJAY Stylish Events + Sweets

Cakes, Cupcakes and Treats Cream and Sugar ad on page 41

351-B George Street, Mobile At Cream & Sugar Café, we believe that life is just better when you take the time to savor it. That’s why we take the time to make things right. Our cake balls, our sandwiches, our quiches, our soups, our coffee and espresso drinks—it’s all made from scratch. And that makes for good times. (251) 405-0003 www.creamandsugarmobile.com

Bake My Day

156-A McGregor Avenue North, Mobile We bake everything from scratch just like our mothers have for over 70 years. Our menu offers a variety of classic favorites and new twists on old fashioned recipes. Wonderful Cakes! (251) 219-7261 www.bakemydaymobile.com

Baskin Robbins

700 Schillinger Road South, Mobile We have a cake for every occasion! Try a classic or get creative with customization options. (251) 635-1555 www.baskinrobbins.com

Cakes by Judi

4831 Schimpfs Lane, Mobile Cakes by Judi is well-known for their beautiful and delicious wedding cakes. But, did you know that you can also have a cake by Judi for your child’s birthday? Visit the website for details and don’t delay! Only a limited number of cake orders are taken each week due to the high volume of wedding orders (251) 666-1565 www.cakesbyjudi.com

Delish’s Desserts

23 Upham Street, Mobile Mobile’s favorite place for lunch and dessert. We offer a wonderful selection of birthday cakes, cookie, bars, pies, and much more. Come visit us and see what we can make for you! (251) 473-6115 www.facebook.com/delishsdessertseatery Mobile Bay Parents I July 2017

2158 Airport Boulevard, Mobile ellenJAY offers custom sweets, chic decor and dessert tables for any event where style is a must! Our contemporary style sensibility coupled with a classic love of all things sweet make an ellenJAY dessert table the centerpiece of any celebration. We specialize in full dessert tables, custom sugar cookies, party favors, wedding sweets, petite cakes and cupcakes, mini sweets and many more. For more information email info@ellenjayevents.com. (251) 219-7406 www.ellenjayevents.com

Flour Girls Bakery

809 Hillcrest Road, Mobile Hometown bakery specializing in handmade cakes, cupcakes, cookies and pastries. Find us on Facebook! (251) 634-2285 flourgirlsbakery2285@yahoo.com

G’s Bakery and Cafe

1714 Dauphin Street, Mobile Hand Made, Fresh daily. All From Scratch in the Artisan tradition using only the best ingredients. (251) 341-7627 gsbakeryandcafe@gmail.com gsbakeryandcafe.com

Great American Cookie

1201 Industrial Parkway, Saraland (251) 345-1928 3490 Bel Air Mall, Mobile (251) 476-2447 740 Schillinger Road South, Mobile (251) 633-0636 www.greatamericancookies.com We do all kinds of cookie cakes for all occasions We bake fresh every day.

Lighthouse Bakery

919 Chaumont Avenue, Dauphin Island We have all your bakery needs on Dauphin Island. Find us on Facebook. (251) 861-2253

Marble Slab Creamery

1201 Industrial Parkway, Saraland (251) 345-1928 740 Schillinger Road South, Mobile (251) 633-0636 www.marbleslab.com Marble Slab Creamery offers truly unique gourmet ice cream cakes that give a chef-driven flair to any occasion. Our simple on-line ordering makes it easier than ever to bring home the perfect match for whatever you’re planning.

Pastry Shop, The

2560 Dauphin Street, Mobile Wonderful service; delicious, beautiful and original cakes and pastries! (251) 479-2629

Pollman’s Bake Shop, Inc

4464 Old Shell Road, Mobile Classic Bake Shop serving Mobile since 1918! Cakes for all occasions, pastries, cookies and sandwiches. Wonderful Birthday Cakes! (251) 342-8546

Pollman’s Bake Shop, Inc

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750 South Broad Street, Mobile Classic Bake Shop serving Mobile since 1918! Cakes for all occasions, pastries, cookies and sandwiches. Wonderful Birthday Cakes! (251) 438-1511

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Simply Sweet Cupcake Boutique

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5638 Three Notch Road, Mobile Your imagination is our reality! We offer cakes for all occasions; we have a daily selection of cupcakes and treats. Ask about our catering and sweet table. (251) 219-6379 www.sallyspieceacake.com 6207 Cottage Hill Road Suite B, Mobile Simply Sweet Cupcake Boutique is a locally, family, owned cupcake bakery. Our frostings and cupcakes are made fresh, in small batches, daily to ensure quality. The shop features Cupcakes, Cheesecakes, Cookies, Pies, Truffles, and much more! Simply Sweet also specializes in creating Wedding, Birthday, and other Special Occasion Cakes that will make your event one of a kind! (251) 665-3003 www.simplysweetmobile.com

Entertainment to You Animal Tales, LLC ad on page 29

Live Exotic Animal Birthday Parties! Animal Tales conducts educational programs for over 900 schools and libraries annually in 15 states. Bring our animals to your location for a unique birthday party experience. 6+ animals of your choice, 45-50 minute show, starting at $225. Email us at info@ animaledzoocation.com. (800) 589-5408 ext 2 www.animaledzoocation.com

Balloon Bubble Buddies

Hi! We are balloon twisters in the Alabama Gulf coast area. Do you have a party or celebration coming up? Then you have landed on the right website! We provide a full scope of roving entertainment at your party which includes our balloon animals, bubble-maker, confetti gun, t-shirt launcher (which can launch parachuting army men, stuffed animals and party gifts). We have arches, custom centerpieces and various decorations for your party/gathering. (251) 233-9657 www.balloonbubblebuddies.com

Dr. Gee’s Magic & Balloons

Magic and Balloons for Parties, Promotions and Events. Well-Scripted Entertaining and Educational Magic Shows. Creative and Colorful Balloons for Everyone who Loves Balloons. Mobile and Lower Alabama, Mississippi & Florida. Great for birthdays, sleepovers, or any event that needs some extra fun! Find us on Facebook! (251) 662-7415

Entertainment Management Services

506 Lakeshore Drive, Daphne We are the children’s entertainment experts! We have the best in magic shows, balloon art,

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face painting, inflatables, rock walls, costumed characters, Easter Bunny, Santa, carnival rides and games, cotton candy and popcorn machines, cakes, entertainment and decorating for children and teens. We’ll create a party that will long be remembered. (251) 626-1274 www.entertainmentstars.com

Tanglewood Theatrical Service

Faces By Alyce

Uncle Joe’s Rolling Zoo

Face Painting for your party, festival or special event. Please call for pricing and booking information. Visit us on Facebook for photos and updates. (251) 937-1199 facesbyalyce@yahoo.com

Famous Friendz

Looking for a Famous Friend to help bring your child’s party to life? We have lots of Famous Friendz to choose from that can come and visit your party or special event to really make it extra special!! (251) 581-2822

Jon the Balloon Guy

Birthday party entertainment making your child the STAR of the show. Interactive magic show and balloons. (251) 447-7164 jonstaytonentertainment@gmail.com

Sunshine the Clown

Balloon artist, magic tricks & balloons! (251) 591-2415 sunshinetheclownmobileal@gmail.com

Call us today for your costuming, make-up, face painting and decoration needs. We offer face painting for parties of all sizes, balloon arches, custom murals, and made to order props and backdrops, and entertainment ranging from dance to theatricals. (251) 510-0654 Petting zoo that comes to you! Friendly animals are brought to your location for a petting zoo experience. (251)866-7713

Weabo the Clown

Mike Weaver, Owner. Balloon artist, clown, and face painting, Perfect for parties, picnics and all special events. Please call or email for information. (251) 463-4939 or (251) 463-4938 weabo55@yahoo.com

Gulf Coast Beads

5017 B Cottage Hill Road, Mobile Party Supplies and more! (251) 308-1234 gulfcoastbeads.com

Gwin’s Stationery

4513 Old Shell Road, Mobile Gwin’s Stationery is a Locally Owned Stationery and Invitation Store located in Spring Hill. Fine custom printing and engraving. (251) 344-3335 www.gwinsstationery.com

It’s Inviting

4402 Old Shell Road, Mobile Custom Printed Invitations, Calling Cards, Party Supplies, Gifts and more. (251) 460-0738 www.itsinvitingmobile.com

Invitations - Décor Party Supplies Art Craft Press, Inc.

delivery to anywhere in the greater Mobile area, but you’re always welcome to drop by during our regular business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. (251) 471-4383 www.artcraftpress.org

Paper Jubilee

12 Tacon Street, Mobile Fine printing since 1929. We are conveniently located in midtown Mobile and offer free pick-up and

2032 Airport Boulevard Suite H, Mobile Paper Jubilee is a stationery store in Midtown Mobile. Come and see! Personalized gifts and stationery! Find us on Facebook. (251) 401-5685 paperjubilee.printswell.com

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Party City

300 East Azalea Road, Mobile Paper goods, balloons, favors, invitations, piñatas, music, catering supplies and much more. Party City is the #1 source for all your party supplies with the biggest selection and the best prices. (251) 342-0003 www.partycity.com

Toomey’s Mardi Gras

755-A McRae Avenue, Mobile Founded in 1978, Toomey’s Mardi Gras is one of the largest suppliers of Mardi Gras and Seasonal Merchandise in the world. Come check out all our Special Occasion supplies which includes birthday party hats, paper supplies, favors & more. (251) 450-5012 www.toomeys-mardigras.com

Places to Party Altitude Trampoline Park ad on page 3

3659 Airport Boulevard Suite C, Mobile The results are in! Kids love birthday parties at Altitude Trampoline Park. It’s also a known fact that parents love them, too! Schedule your birthday party with Altitude and let our party host do all of the work. From organization to setup and cleanup, parents should feel like they are able to sit back and enjoy the party as much as the kids. (251) 725-0171 www.altitudetrampolineparkmobile.com

Big City Toys ad on page 30

4356 Old Shell Road, Mobile We have a super-duper fun special section with your own playset and movie theatre! We can do as much or as little to make your day fun-tastic for your birthday VIP! Just call us at 251.308.8997 or email bigcitytoys@ yahoo.com! We’ll take care of you Big City Style! (251) 308-8997 bigcitytoys@yahoo.com www.bigcitytoys.com

Bright Spot Cafe’ ad on page 13

2501 East I-65 Service Road North, Mobile Fabulous Day Package includes a private party room and personal Party Assistant, coordinated paper products and balloons. Each child receives 2 slices of pizza, ice-cream cup and beverage. Children enjoy 30 minutes in the indoor play ground, 30 minutes in the arcade room, 30 minutes in the gym playing basketball and jumping in the bounce house and the last 30 minutes are spent in the private party room. Packages: 15 Child Package - $225.00 + tax, 25 Child Package $300.00 + tax and Each Additional Child $9 + tax. (251) 338-8600 brightspot@mthebroncm.org www.brightspotevent.com

Cici’s Pizza ad on page 24

6750 Airport Boulevard, Mobile Cicis offers a very fun and unique, one of a kind, hands on pizza making birthday party for all ages using Cicis special pizza making tools and ingredients. Your personal Cicis hostess will take you through all of the steps and give you some fun facts as you create your own pizza.We’ll handle all the stress and all the mess. We offer great food and desserts, sodas, and a game room. (251) 341-0880 www.cicis.com/locations/almobile-6750-airport-blvd Mobile Bay Parents I July 2017

Dauphin Island Marina – The Duke ad on page 7

650 LeMoyne Drive, Dauphin Island Have your birthday party of the Duke! Choose from our most popular Birthday Party Adventures! Basic Birthday Party Adventure- $255- 90 minute boat ride, Drag shrimp net, Ice and paper products provided, Gift for the guest of honor. Basic Adventure + Food- $375 -Our basic birthday party + chicken tenders, chips, & drinks for 25 guests (Add $5 per person for additional guests). Email us at reservations@actionoutdoors.org. (251) 861-2201 www.actionoutdoors.org

Debbie’s School of Dance ad on page 31

6429 Hillcrest Park Court, Mobile Debbie’s School of Dance presents Birthday Parties! Your Party will include A Fully Decorated Party Studio, Exclusive Facility use for your 1 ½ hour party, Your party leader for your Birthday Event, Party Invitations & A gift certificate for one free lesson. Choose from a Variety of Party Themes, Including: Enchanted Princess Ballerina’s Ball, So you think you can dance, Pineapple Hula Party & Project Runway. All party themes only $225.00 for 10 guests and $15 for each additional guest. (251) 633-9559 debbiesdance2@bellsouth.net www.debbiesdance.com

Estuarium at Dauphin Island Sea Lab ad on page 49

101 Bienville Boulevard, Mobile Host your birthday party at the Estuarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. Both entertaining and educational, the aquatic and hands on exhibits provide hours of excitement for your party guests. Event bookings include a 4 hour rental of our party room in the morning or afternoon for approximately 35-40 persons with free admission to the Estuarium included. Call for more information. (251) 861-2141 x 7000 www.disl.org

Ferris Wheel and Mini Golf at The Wharf ad on page 5

23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach The Wharf is home to one of the largest ferris wheels in the Southeast standing over 112 feet tall. The ferris wheel is $5.00 per ride (3 years and under are Free). Play a few rounds at our all new 18-hole Mini Golf Course. Be prepared “fore” a swinging good time! Mini golf is $7 per person (4 years and under are Free). Ferris Wheel hours are Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 10pm Mini golf hours are Monday-Sunday, 12pm – 9 pm. Please call for party and group rates. Picnic tables and umbrellas are available for parties. (251) 224-1000 info@alwharf.com www.alwharf.com

a place to have some fun. LazerZONE Mobile is the place for you to have a “blast!” So get ready and plan your next event or day of entertainment at the ZONE! LazerZONE Mobile! We have several packages to choose from. Visit our website for more information. (251) 639-7330 info@lazerzone.co www.lazerzonemobile.com

Original Oyster House ad on page 39

3733 Battleship Parkway, Mobile Celebrating a birthday? We love birthdays, especially recognizing that your family and friends have chosen our place to celebrate such a special occasion. Our FREE gift to the birthday boy or girl, outside of our celebratory birthday bash, is a small birthday cake with whipped topping and chocolate syrup. You are also able to bring in your own cake and singers for that matter. Considering making your party private? Be sure to check out our private rooms for any occasion, visit our events page. (251) 626-2188 www.originaloysterhouse.com

OWA

ad on page 9

10113 Foley Beach Express, Foley Come discover a whole new level of fun and celebration. It’s entertainment at it’s best. It’s OWA. With 20+ amusement park rides from thrilling roller coasters to colorful kiddie rides, OWA was built for celebration. The Park at OWA (the amusement park) opens in July. For more information please visit us online at VisitOWA. com and like us on social media to get the latest breaking news. OWA - It’s for you! (251) 923-2111 www.visitowa.com

Pump It Up ad on page 33

741 Hillcrest Road # A, Mobile Pump It Up is the ONLY party facility in Mobile offering PRIVATE parties with the option to personalize your party depending on your child’s personality. Personalize by choosing one of our awesome add ons including: GLOW parties, Balloon Drop, Bubbles Extravaganza, Princess party, Super hero party, Pirate party and Face painting! Call (251) 342 3940 or visit PumpItUpParty.com/mobile-al to learn more or to book your child’s party today. (251) 342-3940 www.PumpItUpParty.com/mobile-al

Seward Farms ad on page 17

10836 Tanner Williams Road, Lucedale Bring your child for a one of a kind birthday experience getting lost and having fun at the same time. We offer several birthday party packages to choose from with easy to use reservations from our website. Pick your Saturday and book online. Pay when you arrive for your birthday party. Maze is open September – November, Saturday, 10:00am – 9:00pm. (228) 641-3936 www.sewardfarms.com

LazerZONE

USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park

790 Schillinger Road North, Mobile Welcome to LazerZONE Mobile We are now open for business and fun! We are excited about bringing the very best in family-friendly entertainment in Mobile. So you want to have a birthday party, youth party, lock-in, office party, field trip or maybe you are just looking for

2703 Battleship Parkway, Mobile Celebrate your child’s next birthday aboard the Battleship USS ALABAMA! The party can be held outside on the Fantail of the ship (back deck) or inside the ship in the Wardroom. All of your guests will enjoy touring the battleship USS ALABAMA,

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submarine USS DRUM, and the Aircraft Pavilion. We hope you will celebrate your next birthday with us at USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park! Admiral’s Package - $250 (Receive $30 off with a Family Membership) • Admission for up to 20 children (additional children are $5 eac) • 2 hours rental for party area• Tables and chairs provided• Set up and clean up included• Free parking for guests. Captain’s Package – Offer of group rate admission (Ages 12 and up $13 and Ages 6-11 $5). Reservations required. (251) 433-2703 www.ussalabama.com

Waterville, USA Water Park ad on page 35

Highway 59 South, Gulf Shores Waterville USA is able to host lots of different group outings such as, company parties, birthday parties, family reunions, church outings, end of season sports team parties, boy/girl scout events, as well as after-hours private parties. The possibilities are endless! Visit our website for detailed Birthday Party Packages. To make your party reservation, please call (251) 948-7026. (251) 948-2106 wville2@gulftel.com www.watervilleusa.com

2:21 Fun Factory

3761 Government Boulevard A, Mobile We are 2:21 Family Fun Factory. Here is where all the fun begins. Adults and Children alike have a

blast at our parties. Call us to book your next party. (251) 378-5296 www.221live.com

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

1204 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores Birthday Parties: Celebrate at the zoo with 15 or more paying guests* and enjoy a full day at the zoo, a scheduled Animal Show, and use of the shaded picnic area for your party for just $5 plus tax per person. Each guest will also get a souvenir cup of animal feed for the petting zoo for just $1 per cup. (251)968-5731 www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.org

species of various field animals. Birthday Parties: $250 includes 20 people. $10 for each additional adult and $8 for each additional child. Call us for more information or to book today! (251) 946-2483 info@gatoralleyfarm.com www.gatoralleyfarm.com

AMC Mobile 16

785 Schillinger Road South, Mobile Call about our movie party options. (251) 639-7373 www.carmike.com

AMF Bowling Centers

Alligator Alley

19950 County Road 71, Summerdale With over 20 acres of natural cypress swamp land, our alligators roam freely in a protected environment. The whole family can safely observe alligators feeding, courting, and nesting from our elevated boardwalk. At Alligator Alley, we currently have over 500 alligators from the hatchlings in our gift shop to the big alligators in our swamp land. Enjoy a nature walk to our various exhibits as you journey towards the big swamp, and the ultimate king of Alligator Alley, Captain Crunch! This world record gator is over 13’ long, weighs over 800 pounds, and has the world’s strongest bite ever recorded from an alligator. You’ll also observe other wildlife such as: green herons, owls, turtles, bullfrogs, a fox squirrel and more. In our gift shop area, we also display other amphibians, reptiles, and rare

125 North Schillinger Road, Mobile Looking for a great way to guarantee a memorable birthday party for kids? Look no further - AMF has it covered. From food to activities, we take care of everything for you. Simply fill out our party form on-line or give us a call. Then all you have to do is show up and have a great time! (251) 639-1221 www.amf.com

AMF Bowling Centers

4120 Government Boulevard, Mobile Looking for a great way to guarantee a memorable birthday party for kids? Look no further - AMF has it covered. From food to activities, we take care of everything for you. Simply fill out our party form on-line or give us a call. Then all you have to do is show up and have a great time! (251) 661-1221 www.amf.com

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friend. A party leader guides them through each step of the bear building fun and then through party games. Party time ranges from 1-1.5 hours, depending on the number of guests. A minimum of 5 guests is required for each party package. Parties include a make and take home a furry friend, party leader to guide the adventure, party games and fun filled adventures and party hats. For more information and party package details, call or visit our website. (251) 625-4183 www.buildabear.com

Azalea City for the Arts

63 Midtown Park East, Mobile We have great options for your Birthday Party! Some of our options are Drama and Photo Shoot Party, Frozen Themed Drama and Photo Shoot Party, Glow Rave Dance Party or you can rent our largest room and have any party you want! Please contact us for any information. (251) 510-1808 www.azaleacityarts.com

Back Country Trail

3801 Orange Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach Bike or Hike to your next family picnic, birthday party, or field trip on the Back Country Trail. Enjoy biking, hiking, bouldering, and the butterfly garden as you tour 13 miles of scenic trails through Gulf State Park. Don’t forget to visit the Campground Store to purchase trail gear and snacks! For more information email trail@ cityoforangebeach.com. (251) 981-1180 trail@cityoforangebeach.com www. backcountrytrail.com

Beginner’s Luck

5392 Dawes Lane Ext, Theodore Let us host your next birthday party or special event. Horseback rides, miniature horse cart rides, games, bunnies, chickens, luna the lamb, June the mini goat, Florence and Dutches the pigs, chickens, ducks and much more! Find us on Facebook! (251) 605-3499

Bob’s Paintball

3428 Dawes Road, Mobile Come one and all to the best paintball fields in Mobile, AL. From team elimination, capture the flag, to freefor-all, and even airball. For good fun, Bob’s is great for anyone wanting a rush that you wouldn’t believe until you try it. Planning a birthday party out at Bob’s Paintball is a great way to celebrate. Come out and play and you’ll have so much fun that will be spoken about for years to come…or until your next visit. (251) 639-8245 www.bobspaintball.com

Cammie’s Old Dutch Ice Cream Shoppe

2511 Old Shell Road, Mobile Celebrate your birthday at Mobile’s favorite Ice Cream Parlor! Enjoy Ice Cream, Sundaes, Sodas, Old Fashion Banana Splits, Milk Shakes, and more! (251) 471-1710 cammiesolddutch.com

Charming Teacup

17111 Scenic Highway 98, Point Clear Give your little girl a birthday she’ll always remember! Charming Victorian Tea Parties for little ladies. We provide the gorgeous gowns, fancy hats, jewelry and a full tea service on dainty china. Etiquette, ballroom dancing, and games also included. You won’t have to lift a finger! We have 6 fabulous party packages to choose from. We also have party packages for baby/ bridal showers, graduations or just fun with the girls! Spaces fill quickly so book your party today! (251) 300-0231 charmingteacup@hotmail.com www.charmingteacup.com

Chill Yogurt Café

6167 Airport Boulevard, Mobile Party at Chill Yogurt Café! Enjoy make your own frozen yogurt with tons of great toppings. Make it your way! Call today to reserve a party! (251) 316-0045 www.chillyogurtcafe.com

Chill Yogurt Café

7885 Moffet Road, Semmes Party at Chill Yogurt Café! Enjoy make your own frozen yogurt with tons of great toppings. Make it your way! Call today to reserve a party! (251) 408-9555 www.chillyogurtcafe.com 880 Industrial Parkway, Saraland Party at Chill Yogurt Café! Enjoy make your own frozen yogurt with tons of great toppings. Make it your way! Call today to reserve a party! (251) 679-3903 www.chillyogurtcafe.com

Chuck E. Cheese’s

710 Downtowner Loop West, Mobile Throw a magical party without lifting a finger! Our parties are a totally cool way for your kids to celebrate with the fun of Chuck E. Cheese’s. Plus, all you do is relax. Because we do all the work. (251) 342-8142 www.chuckecheese.com

Build-A-Bear Workshop

Cold Snap Frozen Yogurt

30500 Highway 181, Spanish Fort Each guest will make his or her own stuffed animal Mobile Bay Parents I July 2017

Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream

3964 Airport Boulevard, Mobile Dippin’ Dots, the original beaded ice cream, is available in your area! Stop into our location to check out our delicious ice cream products, or contact us for info about catering, birthday parties and more. (251) 378-5460 www.dippindots.com

Dreamland Skate Center

5672 Three Notch Road, Mobile Groove to the beats on roller skates at this birthday party! Many party packages to choose from and all include lots of skating time, a party room, drinks and invitations. Tea parties and private parties also available! (251) 661-6997 www.dreamlandskatecenter.com

Fairways Indoor Golf Club

25000 Bass Pro Drive (Suite 104) , Spanish Fort Our facility is a perfect environment for corporate events, teambuilding exercises, private parties, and fundraisers! Please call for additional information! (251) 621-5277 info@fairwaysindoorgolfclub.com www.fairwaysindoorgolfclub.com

Get Air Mobile

842 Schillinger Road South, Mobile We do parties! Numerous party packages available. (251) 241-3101 www.getairmobile.com

Gulf Coast Ducks

2703 Battleship Parkway, Mobile Quack! Quack! Get ready to SPLASH with us during the most entertaining tour in America! We will always seek to exceed your expectations every time you join us for one of our unique land/water tours! For group purchases contact Taylor@GulfCoastDucks.com. (251) 802-8687 Taylor@GulfCoastDucks.com www. gulfcoastducks.com

Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center

65 Government Street, Mobile At the Gulf Coast Exploreum, we’ve got children’s birthday parties down to a science. When you book your child’s party with us, you relax while we do all the work. We provide themed invitation templates, party favors, a cool birthday cake and a fun experiment to entertain the guests. We even handle the clean up! Select a party package and let us do the rest! (251) 208-6893 www.exploreum.com

GulfQuest

Chill Yogurt Café

3090 Dauphin Square Connector, Mobile Escape games have come to Mobile, and it’s a brandnew entertainment experience! (251) 460-1284 www.breakoutmobile.com

Breakout Mobile

Cold Snap offers 24 yogurt flavors, 80+ toppings and outstanding service. Cold Snap is locally owned and operated. Catering - Birthday Parties - Field Trips - And MORE! (251) 344-7074 www.coldsnapfrozenyogurt.com

266 South McGregor Avenue, Mobile A unique (and FUN) self serve yogurt experience,

155 South Water Street, Mobile Celebrate your child’s birthday in a one-of-a-kind way- in Mobile’s newest attraction on the Mobile River! If your child loves the water, boats or maritime life, GulfQuest is the birthday party destination for you and your family! Let us do all the work while you enjoy the fun! Designed for children ages 5-10, GulfQuest birthday parties are centered nautical themes. A party host will set up, decorate, lead an activity and the best part - clean up! So “batten down the hatches” for a great time! (251) 436-8901 info@gulfquest.org www.gulfquest.org

Jumps-a-Lot

302 Schillinger Road South, Mobile Great indoor party facility. Your Indoor Party Place Your kids will have a blast playing at a Jumps-A-Lot

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Party and Play Center which features massive, themed inflatable slides, obstacle courses and bounce houses kids love, interactive games, toddler activities, arcade room and more. Don’t let the weather keep your kids in the house, come to Jumps-A-Lot and let them enjoy outdoor-type, healthy, active play, indoors We have a wide variety of merchandise that you can rent to make the perfect party- Slides, obstacles, jumper’s, Inflatables (wet and dry), Rock Wall Climbs, tents & chairs, concession supplies & machine rentals. We now have mechanical rides and interactives (Mechanical swings, Mechanical Bull, and The Melt down interactive inflatable). (251) 633-6676 www.jumps-a-lot.com

KJB Studio

2605 Old Shell Road, Mobile Beads and jewelry making birthday parties are so much fun! Ages 8 and older. Parties held at our store after-hours. Also offering classes for adults and children in our in-store work area. Call today for information. (251) 473-8650 www.facebook.com/kjbstudio

Linda’s Learning Farm

2380 Havens Road, Semmes Birthday Celebrations on the Farm. $200.00 - 2 hours, celebration for 15 children (Animal viewing in the barn, Playground and picnic area, Hayride. $250.00 - 2 ½ hours, celebration for 15 children, Animal viewing in the barn, Playground and picnic area, Hayride and Horse Ride for each child attending. If you have more than 15 children in your party, there is a $7.50 charge for each child that you are over. You provide all drinks, food items, and paper products, etc. needed for your birthday celebration. A small freezer is available in the barn for ice cream. A $75.00 non-refundable deposit is required to hold reservation. (251) 649-1802 www.learningfarmandplaypark.com

Magnolia Corn Maze

Mascot appearance, Personal & friendly service from a BayBears representative. (251) 479-2327 www.mobilebaybears.com

Mobile Carnival Museum

355 Government Street, Mobile Celebrate your birthday in royal style at the Mobile Carnival Museum...Where Mardi Gras fun and merriment awaits you, in historic downtown Mobile. Birthday Package Includes: Accommodations for up to 12 children and 12 adults,12 Favor bags, Museum access and admission, On-site parking, Design and create your own Mardi Gras Mask, Party supervision, 90 minutes of complete fun Package Price: $125.00 (additional guests: $5.00 each) You Supply: Party Invitations, Birthday Cake, Other food and beverage, Attendees/Guests - ages 5 and older. Get ready to party in the Mystical den...ride the rocking float...and parade around with your guests as a masked float rider! Let the Good Times Roll, with your next birthday celebration! (251) 431-9334 www.mobilecarnivalmuseum.com

Nasser Gymnastics

3055 Old Shell Road, Mobile A Nasser Gymnastics Birthday Party is guaranteed FUN and stress free for parents! We offer a unique experience for your child to invite their friends and have fun in the gym. Through supervised gym activities including obstacle courses, games, parachute, trampolines, foam pit fun, and lots of gymnastics, your child will feel as special as they can. After the thrill in the gym, we’ll move into our beautifully painted party room to continue the celebration. Your child will always remember that special birthday spent at Nasser Gymnastics. (251) 479-9311 www.nassergyn.net nassergym.com

Paint Party Studios

15275 County Road 49 South, Summerdale What better place to have your child’s next party than at Magnolia Corn Maze! Open October 2017. There are several different party packages to choose from. All parties include a party host, covered party pavilion, Corn Maze, Hay Ride, Petting Zoo, several farm activities and much more. Additional packages include Pony Parties, Campfires or Bazooka Ball. Ask us about activities we offer to bring to your party location too! (251) 605-7216 magnoliacornmaze@gmail.com magnoliacornmaze.com

15 Upham Street, Mobile Paint Party Studios offers children’s birthday/group private parties with discounted pricing of just $200 for up to 20 kids ($10/child for each additional child if more than 20 children). Children’s parties must be reserved at least 48 hours in advance with a $50 non-refundable deposit. We recommend calling at least 2-4 weeks ahead. Painting choices for children’s parties are made in advance in coordination with the party host. Children are allowed to pick their own paint colors and make their painting as unique as they are. (251) 343-2423 www.paintpartystudios.com

Magnolia Farms Paintball

Partridge Plantation

15275 County Road 49, Summerdale Paintball for ages 10 years and up. Please call or check our website for updates and pricing. Hours are Saturday 10am – 5pm and Sunday 11am-5pm. (251) 605-7216 magnoliafarmspaintball@gmail.com www.magnoliafarmspaintball.com

Mobile Bay Bears

755 Bolling Brothers Boulevard, Mobile The Mobile BayBears would love to host your next birthday party at The Hank. Our goal is to make a day at the ballpark easy on mom and dad and a blast for the kids! The best nights to have a party: Friday - Fireworks after every Friday game. It is an added bonus to a birthday party! Sunday - Play catch on the field before the game. Families are encouraged to come down and show off their arm on the field after the game. Several packages and numerous add- on’s to choose from, The standard package includes: 12 tickets, first pitch for the honoree, souvenir baseball for the birthday honoree, video board recognition, One dozen cupcakes,

9574 Cumberland Road, Irvington A birthday party to remember begins at the Partridge Plantation! A two-hour party includes hayride, pony ride, farm playground, petting and visiting the other farm animals in a clean and safe environment. Call and make your reservations today. (251) 957-6465

Pete’s Party Castle

2040 Schillinger Road South, Mobile Come see why we’re the best kid’s party place in town! Pete’s Party Castle is Mobile’s favorite place to sit back and let the kids play. Enjoy great food, arcades and a dragon playground. Even the little ones can play too in our toddler soft play area. Call today! (251) 281-1990 www.petespartycastle.com

Planet Gymnastics

900 Schillinger Road South, Mobile Gymnastics fun featuring trampolines, foam pits, rope swing, cargo net, and more. Different party packages

to choose from. All party packages include gym time, party room, invitations, paper products, staff to help, & Bungee Trampoline for the birthday child. A Great Time! (251) 650-0699 www.planetgymnastics.com

Putting Place

5103 Girby Road, Mobile If you are looking for a location for a Great children’s party - The Putting Place has a party package for you! Up to 20 guests - $125, Up to 30 guests - $200, Up to 40 guests - $250 and special rates for larger groups. All party rates include a round of mini golf for all guests and have free-range use of the party room, deck, and/ or picnic tables for two hours. Specialized party packages can be created (Domino’s pizza), soft drinks and quarters for the game room. Contact our friendly staff to design your own fabulous and fun party! (251) 375-1490 theputtingplace@gmail.com www. theputtingplace.com

Regal Mobile Stadium 18 (Hollywood Theatres)

1250 Satchel Paige Drive, Mobile Looking for something special for a Birthday party? Head to the movies at a Regal Entertainment Group theatre! Make your favorite person a “Star For A Day” with their own party at the movies! (251) 473-9655 www.regmovies.com

Silver Lining Farm @ Mimi C. Peters Riding School

10727 El Nina Drive, Mobile Celebrate your child’s birthday at Silver Lining Farm! Up to 15 children are included in the price of the party package. During the party, the children are able to ride for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Usually, there is one horse to every 2-3 children. Each child has an intermediate rider from the farm assisting while they ride. This makes it an orientation lesson and not a pony ride. The kids have more fun walking and trotting with more knowledge of horseback riding. After riding, the children take a tour of the beautiful property singing and learning about horse breeds and colors. We end the party by feeding the horse’s carrots and apples in the barn. Parents say it is the easiest and the best party that they have ever had! Join us for a special day you will never forget! (251) 634-1229 horses@silverliningfarm.net www. silverliningfarm.net

Skateland

531 Highway 43 South, Saraland Come by and book your party! 3 Party Packages available. (251) 675-6601

Spa-Tea-Da

3938 Government Boulevard, Mobile Spa-Tea-Da! is a unique, boutique party spot and girl’s day spa experience specializing in fabulous theme birthday parties and day spa services by appointment in our girls only spa. Creative and whimsical tea parties that create lasting memories for you and your guests are just a phone call away! Themes for Ages 3-6 include Princess Royal Tea, Pinkalicious Cupcake Decorating, Frozen Tea Party, Magical Mermaid ParTea!, Boo Boo Clinic. Ages 6-13 include SPA-Tacular Spa and Tea Party, SPA-Amazing Spa and tea party, Tea 4 Two- Doll ‘n me, Pink Runway Fashion Show and Girls Rock - Rock Star Party. We also provide Spa-Tea-Da To Go! We bring the Spa party to your location! We also have monthly fun events that are open to the public so your girly’s will not have to wait for their birthday to party with us! Our events

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include, paint parties, princess tea parties, girls nite out and more! Once you experience our fabulous events, parties and day spa, you will find no other compare in Mobile! (251) 447-4846 www.spa-tea-da.com

Starlight Stables

11635 Dick Turner Road, Grand Bay We are the home of Toni’s ponies and party services! Starlight Stables is home to 21 horses and ponies. Many are rescues and many have been born and raised here at our barn. We have been in business for over 21 years and have shared our horses and ponies with the community. We offer pony parties and rentals for parties! We come to you, or you can have your party here. (251) 391-4268 www.starlightstables.weebly.com

Sunshine Skate Center

950 Hillcrest Road, Mobile Come celebrate your birthday at Sunshine Skate Center! Skate and Go-Kart party options – The only indoor Go-Kart party in town with safe indoor go-karts with 2 great packages that include go-kart racing, arcade time in our new arcade, invitations, and tokens. We also have many great skate packages that include invitations, free game tokens, admission and skate rentals! (251) 639-1704 www.sunshineskate.com

Sunshine Sue’s Playgarden

1108 Dauphin Street, Mobile Birthday Parties, Play Place, Drop off Service, Classes and more! We LOVE Birthdays... Birthday Parties or other Events (Weekdays, Sat and Sun by Reservation). Our parties are completely customizable, from affordable fun to absolutely amazing! (251) 421-2434 hello@sunshinesuesplaygarden. com www.sunshinesuesplaygarden.com

The Cookery

4456 Old Shell Road, Mobile Let your little one celebrate a completely unique birthday, culinary style, as Executive Chef for the day. The budding chefs will work to prepare a themed menu item and special birthday celebration treat. After whipping up something delicious, they will enjoy banquet style dining in our Grand Hall dining area. Price also includes a party favor apron for each child, basic paper products/utensils and two beverage selections. Outside food, beverages and decorations are welcomed. 1.5 hours (suggested ages 3-5) 10 children - $400, 2 hours (suggested ages 5-12) 10 children $425. We also host Play Dates and Teen Dinner Parties. (251) 654-7646 info@thecookerymobile.com www.thecookerymobile.com

The Fort of Colonial Mobile

150 South Royal Street, Mobile Offering pirates and princess Birthday Party options. Call us today. (251) 802-3092 colonialmobile.com

The Track

3200 Gulf Shore Parkway, Gulf Shores Go-karts, bumper boats, arcade games and much more! Visit the website for more information and all of our party packages. (251) 270-0210 gulfshores@funatthetrack.com www.funatthetrack.com Mobile Bay Parents I July 2017

The Watermelon Patch

6417 Hillcrest Park Court, Mobile The Watermelon Patch is a unique inside play facility that is designed especially for young children who are 0-6 years old. Parents love our padded floors and age appropriate toys and play equipment. Children love the freedom to play and explore in our large, colorful rooms that are loaded with toys, games, costumes, books, blocks and so much more. Our friendly staff will handle all the details from beginning to end so all you have to do is enjoy the party with your family, friends and guests. We welcome you to bring in your own food and decorations at no extra charge. Because we know it’s a special day, we’ll make sure it’s a special party. Call us today to reserve your date. (251) 633-3288 www.watermelonpatchkids.com

Wales West

13670 Smiley Street, Silverhill At Wales West, we can design a party to fit your needs. We have a large room, kitchen and deck overlooking the lake. We have an RV Park on site and other amenities include a petting zoo, party barn, Real English Steam Train, indoor heated pool, playground, and lake with waterfall. You can also enjoy fishing and pedal boats. Wales West offers catering for your event. For more information and book your next party call or email us. (888) 569-5337 or (251) 752-5426 enquiries@ waleswest.com or allkids1248@gmail.com www.waleswest.com

West Mobile Swim Club

1355 Snow Road South, Mobile Swim on over with your friends for a pool birthday party. Private Parties for members and non-members available. (251) 285-7946 www.westmobileswimclub.com

Wild Native Delta Safaris

30841 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort Delta Safaris offers boat based Birthday Parties for up to 42 guests aboard our fully covered USCG passenger vessel “Osprey”. Party includes a 1-hour boat tour, themed cake and individual ice cream for the partygoers. (A variety of themes are available). We include all plates, napkins, and forks for the cake. Additional activity add on options are available. Prices vary, please request a custom quote. Reservations are required. (251) 259-8531 or (877) 411-SAFARI info@wildnative.com www.wildnativetours.com

Rentals

Blue Rents ad on page 22

1601 East I-65 Service Road South, Mobile Blue Rents is “the premier event rental company” and has been serving the Gulf Coast for over 50 years. Offering inflatables, games & activities, photo booths, concessions, tents, tables and chairs, catering and event equipment. Understanding that we must always exceed your expectations for your event, we have some of the most experienced professionals in the rental business to assist you in your efforts to create, design, build and support your special event. From original design concept to delivery and setup, we are your partners in creating a successful event - professional and always on time. (251) 479-8502 www.bluerents.net

Bounce and Slide Party Rentals of Saraland

Water slides, dry slides, bounce houses, snow cone and popcorn machines. Fun for the Entire Family to enjoy! (251) 643-5570 (877) 938-2505 www.bounceandslidespartyrentals.com

Bow-Tag

Bow-Tag is a fantastic new, safe and friendly combat archery sport that can be played indoors or outdoors. Players wear masks and use recurve bows to shoot ultra-safe foam-tipped arrows at the opposing team members on the field. Think paintball without the pain, bruises or welts. The equipment is completely mobile so you can come to us or we can bring it to you. Players do not need any prior archery skills, it’s simple, safe and fun for all ages! Enjoy with friends, family or colleagues at work. We cater to the following events; private parties for both children and adults, church groups, scout groups, fairs, festivals, functions and corporate team-building events. (251) 895-5714 www.bow-tag.com

Cheese Wagon

Mobile’s original party bus! All of our buses come with: Monster sound system, iPod hookup, CD player, Flat Screen TV’s, Club style lighting Dancing pole and more! (251) 510-8500 thecheesewagonpartybus@gmail. com www.cheesewagon.com

Hurricane Inflatables

Xtreme Paintball

900-A Schillinger Road South, Mobile An action-packed way to spend a birthday that is more suitable for older kids. Some fields are more of a natural setting while others are closer to structured complexes. Groups/parties must be booked in advance with a deposit. Please call the shop to book your group or party. (251) 639-0399 www.xpb.us

YMCA Birthday Parties

92 Saraland Loop, Saraland Celebrate your Birthday with a Pool Party! You celebrate, we clean up! Called (251) 679-8877 www.ysal.org

YMCA Birthday Parties

951 Downtowner Boulevard, Mobile Celebrate your Birthday with a Pool Party! You celebrate, we clean up! Call for more information. (251) 344-4856 www.ysal.org

Hurricane Inflatables can make your special occasion or event easy, fun and memorable. We offer bounce houses, water slides, obstacle courses, rock walls, mechanical bulls, tents, tables, and concessions (cotton candy, snow cone, popcorn machines), interactive inflatable games and marketing promotions. Call us today for detailed information on making your next event less stressful and the most fun ever! (251) 923-7279 concessionmaker@hotmail.com www.hurricaneinflatables.com

JB’s Fun Jumps & Slides

JB’s Fun Jumps & Slides is your one stop shop for all things bouncy and fun!! We have space jumps, slides, combos, popcorn machines, sno-cone machines, cotton candy machines and tables/chairs for rent!! Let us make your next event a special one! Find us on Facebook. (251) 599-9301 info@jbsfunjumps.com. www.jbsfunjumps.com

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Jumps-a-Lot

302 Schillinger Road South, Mobile The largest variety of Inflatables available. Slides, obstacles, jumper’s, Inflatables, Rock Wall Climbs, balloons, tents & chairs, concession supplies & machine rentals, party supplies, mechanical rides and interactives ( Mechanical swings, Mechanical Bull, and The Melt down interactive inflatable). (251) 633-6676 www.jumps-a-lot.com

Knockerball

Knockerball Mobile will be bringing the latest craze to the Port City and surrounding areas. Contact us at 251-509-4054 to book your event! (251) 509-4054 knockerballmobile.com

Kona Ice

Have Kona Ice Truck come to your next Birthday Party. We call it the Kona Entertainment Vehicle, because well…that’s what it is - a party on wheels! (251) 583-0889 konalife@kona-ice.com www. kona-ice.com

Magic Memories Photography LLC – Photo Booth Rental

Photo booth rentals are a great addition to any special occasion. Our unique photo booth is fully customizable to fit your needs. Whether you want a small photo booth for just a few people or a large setup to accommodate ten people, we can handle it. (251) 490-5693 www.magicmemoriesphoto.com

Marble Slab Creamery

1201 Industrial Parkway, Saraland (251) 345-1928 www.marbleslab.com 740 Schillinger Road South, Mobile (251) 633-0636 www.marbleslab.com Marble Slab Creamery can help turn any event into a special occasion. Whether you want a Sundae Bar, Portable Slab or an ice cream cake to match your theme, you can count on us to dish out the freshest, best tasting ice cream anywhere. The Portable Slab is where we bring The Slab to you. It is like having a Marble Slab Creamery store brought to you complete with mixings, waffle cones and more!

Mobile Popcorn (Carnival Supply)

3333-C Cottage Hill Road, Mobile Whether you are having a birthday party and are looking for Jumper Inflatables, Cotton Candy Machines, Sno-Kone Machines, Games, Extra Chairs and Tables, Hot Dog Steamers, and more, we have you covered. Your one stop fun shop. Also offering a full line of catering supplies. (251) 479-2492 mobilepopcorn.com

Mobile Trolley

The Old Shell Trolley is now available for RENTALS! Our (3) Trolleys seat 28 -32 passengers featuring wooden seats, brass railings, windows that open, a rear platform, and is equipped with A/C and Heater. Also available is a CD player with I-pod hookup and speakers for music while in route to your destination. (251) 604-6626 oldshelltrolleyclub.com

Movie Go

Movie Screen Rentals. (251) 382-0951

On Sight Game Theatre

On Sight Entertainment is the mobile video game truck and trailer that comes right to you! Our spacious, state of the art mobile video game truck features seven widescreen high – definition TVs, surround sound and a one- of- a-kind multiplayer gaming system. Up to 28 guests can game at the same time with room for 10 more friends on the second row of stadium seating. We have all of the latest game titles and Gaming Consoles from Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Wii and Wii U! Our game theater has stadium seating and includes a spacious “Action Station” with lots of room for dancing and sports games. (251) 207-8102 www.onsightentertainment.com

Starlight Stables

11635 Dick Turner Road, Grand Bay We are the home of Toni’s ponies and party services! Starlight Stables is home to 21 horses and ponies. Many are rescues and many have been born and raised here at our barn. We have been in business for over 21 years and have shared our horses and ponies with the community. We offer pony rentals for parties! We come to you, or you can have your party here. (251) 391-4268 www.starlightstables.weebly.com MBP

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Any parent who has survived the

vices. Parents who expect everything to be hunky dory all the time will likely be disappointed. Parents who think kids can figure everything out for themselves at this age with little adult supervision may want to wake up. This is middle school, the preparation for high school, which is the preparation for college, which is preparation for adulthood. Your child is going to need you each and every day. Middle-schoolers are embarking on a two or three-year journey and they will come out the other end of the process transformed. Whether or not they are changed for the better is largely up to you, parents. Here is a list of some of the challenges middle school kids face and how tuned-in parents can help.

middle school years will assure you that you can navigate them, too. Although the honeymoon period of elementary school is over and middle school comes with ample trials and tribulations for most kids, try not to expect the worst. Parents who welcome the challenges of middle school as opportunities for growth will be still be smiling by the time they attend the eighth grade promo-

Expressing Individuality.

tion ceremony. Expect your child to face and overcome hurdles in middle school. Middle school is supposed to be about making mistakes and bouncing back from disappointments. Kids who navigate turbulence with spunk will mature in middle school. Kids who struggle with self-awareness and assertiveness are going to need extra support to develop skills they will need in high school. If you want your kids to thrive in middle school, don’t leave them to their own de-

At the end of the summer, sit down with your child and make a list of words that describe who he is. Do this every year before heading back to school to remind your student that he has interests and he’s allowed to like whatever he chooses. This list will evolve over the years, and that’s great, too.

Expanding Learning Abilities.

Middle school is an opportunity to try new ways of learning. Kids will get to do science labs for the first time, peer edit each other’s writing, work on projects with partners or in

groups. Talk to your kids about how they are adjusting to these new learning modes so you can help smooth the way.

Dealing With Social Pressures.

How much social pressure exists in middle school? Tons. So role up your sleeves, parents, and always be ready to trouble-shoot. The best advice takes your child’s personality into account and eschews going along with all the crowds all the time. Middle school is a great time for kids to learn how to say, you do things your way and I’ll do things mine.

Keeping Up With School Assignments and Deadlines. Kids

tend to procrastinate. Some have trouble understanding that projects and papers must be worked on incrementally to be adequately prepared. A little bit of planning support goes a long way until dreamy tweens can get the hang of due dates.

Finding Healthy Tribes. Kids will be kids but no parent wants their child hanging out with a bunch of troublemakers. Your child’s peer group has a huge influence on his daily life. Teach your kids to choose friends wisely and to distance themselves from those who make consistently unhealthy choices.

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Becoming A Positive Contributor. Everyone hates substitutes.

No one likes the new math teacher. That kid is so weird. But guess what, kiddo? It doesn’t matter because you are expected to be kind and respectful to everyone at your school, including teachers and substitutes. Furthermore, you should actively contribute in your classes and make positive contributions to your school on an ongoing basis.

Communicating With Teachers and Coaches. You know how to do this,

but now it’s time to let your child step up and converse with authority figures. You can encourage her, confirm it’s happening, and even follow up with adults to make sure your child isn’t blowing you smoke. But let her do it or she won’t learn how.

Confronting Bullies. Not avoiding

bullies. Not hiding from bullies. Not doing whatever bullies want so they won’t pick on you. Confronting bullies means being able to stand up to someone being mean to your child whether his friends will back him up or not. Let your kids know you expect them to stand up for themselves and for others in need assistance and watch them do it.

Bouncing Back From Failure and Disappointments. Perhaps the

toughest days in middle school are the not-making-the-cut days or the performing poorly on the test days or the getting sent to the principal days. How you respond to some twist on this trope is important. Kids need to process their feelings before they can bounce back and do the right thing. Be calm as you help them figure it all out.

Test-driving Romantic Relationships. Some kids will dive

right into relationships in middle school. Others will stay on the sidelines so they can spectate and speculate. Others may not seem interested at all. This is the beginning of practicing intimacy, so be sure to have lots of conversations with your child

about the differences between healthy and unhealthy romantic relationships.

Prioritizing Needs. Kids have needs and those needs matter even when life is hectic. Maybe your daughter needs a jog bra for gym class. Maybe she needs a new notebook for algebra. Have a regular planthe-week meeting to discuss what your child is going to need and avoid last-minute crunches that create needless bickering. Learning About The World. There is a whole wide world out there, and now your child is old enough to start learning about all of its complexities. What a great time to teach your child about respecting diversity, tolerating differences, and envisioning a more peaceful world.

Shining Despite Speed Bumps.

Your kid is going to stumble, fall, and maybe even face-plant in middle school. But he will still have plenty of shining moments, where he is ecstatic and in his element. If your child isn’t having enough moments like these, call a family meeting, and look for new opportunities where he is more likely to succeed. MBP Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz is actually a bit sad that the middle school adventures are over. But she’s looking forward to the challenges that high school will bring.

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ParentingToday’sTeens by Mark Gregston

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Embracing Teen Conflict for Good If your family could be described by a television program, would it be the older than dirt Leave It To Beaver series, or more like the can’t wait till it’s over The Kardashians? Despite every parent’s earnest hopes that their family will look something like the perfect sitcom, I can guarantee there’s going to be some reality TV thrown in there, too. Maybe you’re living some of that reality right now. Your children have hit the teen years and you feel like your home has been thrown into tail-spin. Your teens are seeking increased independence while, as parents, you are trying to let the reigns out slowly. Or perhaps raising your child has always been a battle, causing you to think about waving the white flag and giving up. I get it—the teen years are a challenge! Conflict is a pre-cursor for change. Don’t ignore what is before you as it might just be the greatest opportunity to influence your child… in the midst of some of the hardest parenting times. Mom and Dad, let me offer you some encouragement. While these years are challenging, they also present critical opportunities to guide your teen through the real issues of life. Don’t shy away from these opportunities that appear as headaches and heartaches. Keep engaged with your teen no matter the level of stress on either side. This is where the battle is won for your teen. And this is when you need to be your teen’s best ally not his or her worst nightmare. Here’s some guidelines for dealing with a few challenging examples.

Example #1: The Angry Teen

Maybe the situation you’re facing today is constant conflict with your teen. Let’s first normalize this. Conflict will occur as your teen’s self-interests clash with your desire to look after his or her best interests. Remember, anger is a secondary emotion, so when your teen is angry, look to understand what is the root cause. Be genuinely curious to learn what he or she is feeling and thinking, wanting or needing. Talk to you teen! Don’t match their anger, but ask them to share with you why they are angry. Your calm approach will bring stability to them and their emotions. You may not always be

able to meet their unmet needs or wants, but you can listen to them and learn about them. Most important, you can help them process their deep feelings and frustrations. Sometimes that is enough. You may even be able to relate to them on many levels, remembering when you were a teen. In this way, your teen’s anger can be a doorway for developing an honest and healthy relationship based on mutual love and respect. You may be thinking, “This is impossible!” You may be saying, “You don’t know my kid. He’s unapproachable!” Resist reliving the past or feeling intimidated in the present. Yes, it may start out bumpy, but let you teen know you are going to keep trying, you are going to keep engaging, and you are going to keep loving. It’s been said that “no one cares how much you know until you show how much you care.”

Example #2: The Withdrawn Teen

The withdraw teen is an apathetic teen. Anger indicates they are still passionate and engaged, but apathy indicates they are in the danger zone of disengagement— checked out from everyone and everything. Signs of the withdrawn teen are that the things she used to care about no longer excite her. He has no motivation, no ambition, and lacks any strong emotion. This is the teen who can take parents to the end of their ropes because they seem unreachable. The withdrawn teen can pose a heartwrenching challenge–sometimes calling for the urgent action. First, keep engaging and keep reaching out to your teen in ways that are caring and loving. Again, it’s all about communication. Rather than criticizing them for their apathy, invite them into a dialogue to learn about what is troubling them inside. Let them know that nothing they can tell you will stop you from loving them. Let them know that you are genuinely there to listen and help. Take time out to show you really care. 51

That might mean scheduling a night on the sofa to talk, a walk, a dinner out, or a road trip—whatever will create a real opportunity for real communication. But if your teen won’t talk to you, don’t throw up your hands. You still have options. Suggest that they talk with a trusted therapist or pastor. Many times teens are afraid to share with their parents the truth about their overwhelming feelings and even dark struggles, but they will talk to someone else if given the opportunity. Don’t feel rejected or hurt. Be grateful they want to deal with their issues. If they aren’t talking to you, they need to talk to someone. In addition, a professional can assess whether your teen is dealing with something more than temporary apathy. They can evaluate if serious depression or suicidal thoughts are preventing recovery.

Example #3: The Acting-Out Teen

These are the teens who wake you up in the middle of the night asking you to bail them out of jail. These are the teens who are sexually active, using drugs, drinking alcohol, bullying others, self-harming, have an eating disorder, or are exhibiting some other self-destructive behavior. This is the time for you to resist only focusing on the external issue to look deeper to the motivational driver. When you are tempted to berate your teen for external behaviors, stop to talk about the “why” of what they are doing. This can be illuminating to you and your teen. Often times, your teen hasn’t stop to look at the “why” or where it is taking them. Your teen may be acting out of depression, insecurity, faulty thinking, fear, loss, and peer pressure. While setting healthy boundaries and addressing the behavior, you can also offer your teen desperately needed support, love, and a place to process their pain. Let them know that there is way out and a way up.

Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder of a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in Longview, Texas. Mark’s passion for helping teens can be seen in his 40 years of involvement with families as a youth pastor, Young Life area director, and now, as the Executive Director of Heartlight, where he has lived with and helped over 2,700 teens. To find out more about Mark and his ministry to parents and teens, you can visit www.HeartlightMinistries.org or www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.

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FamilyCalendar Thursday June 22

Gulf Coast Exploreum Road Show at the Library

(Free)

10:00 AM Trinity Gardens Community Library, 2668 Berkley Avenue Mobile, 36610 Members of the Science Squad will perform an array of experiments for our future scientists – starting out small and going LARGE. It’s guaranteed to be a BANG up success! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Kids Days in Bienville Square (Free) 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Bienville Square, Bring the kids out to Bienville Square for summertime fun and enjoy live entertainment, arts and crafts and visits from The Dauphin Island Sea Lab, the Mobile Police and FireRescue Departments and much more! ncsmobile.org

Market in Lavretta Park 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Lavretta Park, Parkway Street West Mobile, 36608 Lavretta Park Market will be held on Thursdays May 25-July 27. www.specialeventsmobile.org

Gulf Coast Exploreum Road Show at the Library (Free) Toulminville Branch, 601 Stanton Road Mobile, 36617 Members of the Science Squad will perform an array of experiments for our future scientists – starting out small and going LARGE. It’s guaranteed to be a BANG up success! Times: 1:00pm 2:30pm www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Friday June 23

Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night 8:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island & Greer’s Market Presents: Free Family Movie Night at the West End Beach. As always we encourage you to bring chairs, blankets and bug spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. Snack vendor will be on site during movie. Movie: Finding Nemo townofdauphinisland.org

Saturday June 24

Market in the Park 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Cathedral Square, 300 Conti Street Mobile, 36602 Spring/Summer Market in the Park will be held Saturdays April 29-July 29. www.specialeventsmobile.org

Sunday June 25

Sunday Sunset Concert - Dauphin Island 6:15 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island presents “Sunday Sunset Concerts” with Jonsey Jones and the Crowned Jewelz. Entrance fees $5.00 per individual! As always, attendees are encouraged to bring beach chairs, blankets and bug spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. *All concerts approx time & weather permitting! townofdauphinisland.org

Informational Meeting regarding Homeschooling 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, We invite you to join us for

Mobile Bay Parents I July 2017

Tuesday June 27

Family Bingo (Free) 6:00 PM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor

Thursday June 29

Kids Days in Bienville Square (Free) 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Bienville Square, Bring the kids out to Bienville Square for summertime fun and enjoy live entertainment, arts and crafts and visits from The Dauphin Island Sea Lab, the Mobile Police and Fire-Rescue Departments and much more! ncsmobile.org

Market in Lavretta Park 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Lavretta Park, Parkway Street West Mobile, 36608 Lavretta Park Market will be held on Thursdays May 25-July 27. www.specialeventsmobile.org

Wednesday June 28

(Admission fees are $13 for adults, $7.50 for children ages 5-12 and free to members and to ages 4 and younger.)

10:30 AM Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, 36582 Who knew that summertime Wednesdays could be so wonderful? Join us this June and July for Wonderful Wednesdays at Bellingrath Gardens and Home, a fun, informative series to help Gulf Coast gardeners and enthusiasts make the most of our extended growing season. Each workshop covers a special feature of the Gardens or Home and includes tips for making your garden more spectacular. June 28 - Roses for the Gulf Coast. Learn about new roses as well as the Southern standards from James Mills, owner of K&M Roses in Buckatunna, Miss. 251-973-2217 www.bellingrath.org

Help Me Grow Screening (Free) 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, The Shoppes of Bel Air, 3299 Bel Air Mall Mobile, 36606 Lifelines will host Help Me Grow developmental screenings for families each Wednesday to connect families to health and developmental resources so children can start school healthy and ready to succeed. These screenings are part of The Shoppes of Bel Air’s 50 Days of Giving program to commemorate its 50th anniversary. Autograph Session and Community Night sponsored by Encore Rehabilitation ($5) 5:30 PM Mobile Civic Center Theatre, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, 36602 Visit with all 51 special young women and then get a sneak peek of the Distinguished Young Women Class of 2017 as they perform selections from the 60th National Finals Program. With performances from the “Has Beens,” current Distinguished Young Woman of America, Tara Moore, and other special guests, your entire family is sure to enjoy this community event. 251-438-3621 distinguishedyw.org

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Mobile, 36608 Calling All Families! Come play Bingo at the Library! Prizes will be awarded and lemonade and popcorn will be served. For more information, please call 470-7770 or email ftigner@mplonline.org. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Bellingrath Gardens Wonderful Wednesdays

Tracy Walker: Building Stories Together at the Library (Free) 10:00 AM Trinity Gardens Community Library, 2668 Berkley Avenue Mobile, 36610 Join us for Tracy Walker: Building Stories Together. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Find a list of Library Events immediately after the final July entry in our calendar!

Monday June 26

an Informational Meeting regarding homeschooling your students PK-12th grade in a Classical, Christian Community with Classical Conversations. We operate on 3 campuses in Mobile and are looking to expand within South Alabama. Please contact Tracy Kemper, tracy.m.kemper@gmail.com, 251-345-4467. We will meet at Chick Fil A, 435 Schillinger Rd S, Mobile, AL, 36695. For more information and to register, please visit https://www.classicalconversations.com/events/getevent/node/122562 . 251-345-4467 www.classicalconversations.com/ events/get-event/node/122562

Friday June 30

60th National Finals – Preliminaries 7:00 PM Mobile Civic Center Theatre, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, 36602 Join us for the Distinguished Young Women Preliminary Competitions on Thursday and Friday as the Class of 2017 competes in fitness, talent and self-expression. On Thursday night, awards will be presented or community-supported cash scholarships and on Friday night for the Distinguished Young Women competition categories. 251-438-3621 distinguishedyw.org Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night 8:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island & Greer’s Market Presents: Free Family Movie Night at the West End Beach. As always we encourage you to bring chairs, blankets and bug spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. Snack vendor will be on site during movie. Movie: Jaws townofdauphinisland.org

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FamilyCalendar Saturday July 1

Market in the Park 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Cathedral Square, 300 Conti Street Mobile, 36602 Spring/Summer Market in the Park will be held Saturdays April 29-July 29. www.specialeventsmobile.org Smoke on the Coast 6:00 PM Spanish Fort Town Center Park, 26000 Bass Pro Drive Spanish Fort, 36527 Spanish Fort Town Center comes alive with food trucks, live musical entertainment featuring the Mulligan Brothers, children’s activities and the region’s most exciting fireworks display! The fireworks spectacular begins at 9:30pm! business.eschamber.com 60th National Finals 7:00 PM Mobile Civic Center Theatre, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, 36602 On Saturday evening, help us in celebrating 60 years of inspiring young women during the Distinguished Young Women National Finals. Check out the ten finalists as they compete in fitness, talent and self-expression and enjoy performances from Tara Moore, Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2016. At the end of the night, one young woman will be named Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2017 251-438-3621 distinguishedyw.org

Sunday July 2

We Love Satsuma Event 6:00 PM Fred K. Wright Park, 5749 Highway 43 Satsuma, 36572 The Fourth Annual “We Love Satsuma” event, Sunday, July 2, 6-8:30 p.m. will have food, games for the kids, inflatables, vendors from all over the North Mobile Area and an Amazing Fireworks Show (8:45 p.m.)The celebration, hosted by First Baptist Church of Satsuma, will be held at Fred K. Wright Park, 5749 Highway 43, Satsuma. For vendor information, call 251-675-1280. 251-675-1280

Monday July 3

Mobile International Festival (Free) 1:00 PM Semmes Branch, 9150 Moffett Road Semmes, 36575 Join members of the Mobile International Festival as they share stories, facts and customs from the many cultures that make up the rich diversity of Mobile. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Grand Bay Watermelon Festival 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM, 13500 US Highway 90 Grand Bay, 36541 The Grand Bay Watermelon Festival gate opens at 3:00 p.m. on July 3rd and closes at 7:00 p.m. There is no charge for admission on the 3rd but the watermelons will be chilling and won’t be cold yet so we will not have the free sliced ice cold watermelon until the 4th. The food, arts & crafts, and ride vendors will be open, as well as music entertainment from our Gazebo. 251-865-3456 grandbaywatermelonfestival.org Independence Day at The Wharf (Admission is FREE; some kids activities will range from $5 - $10 )

5:00 PM The Wharf, 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, 36561 The Wharf will be in full-freedom mode celebrating America’s independence with flair on Monday, July 3rd! Main Street will be home to loads of children’s activities and serve as the prime vantage spot to watch the fireworks display. The palm trees will radiate red, white and blue for the occasion and Spectra the Sound and Light Spectacular shows will resume directly after the fireworks. Throw on your finest patriotic gear, amp up the spirit and come join the party. 251-224-1000 alwharf.com

Mobile International Festival (Free) Saraland Library, 111 Saraland Loop Saraland, 36571 Join members of the Mobile International Festival as they share stories, facts and customs from the many cultures that make up the rich diversity of Mobile. Shows: 9:30am, 10:30am www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Tuesday July 4

Grand Bay Watermelon Festival ($5 per vehicle) 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 13500 US Highway 90 Grand Bay, 36541 Enjoy food, arts & crafts, car show, all the free watermelon you can eat and rides as well as music entertainment from our Gazebo. 251-865-3456 grandbaywatermelonfestival.org

entertainment during these activity-packed events. Face painting, prizes, games, music, a hula hoop performer, bouncy house and water slide will line Palm Plaza for all the occasions! alwharf.com Mobile International Festival (Free) Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, 36602 Join members of the Mobile International Festival as they share stories, facts and customs from the many cultures that make up the rich diversity of Mobile. Times: 9:30am, 11:00am, 1:00pm www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Thursday July 6

Journey with Special Guest Asia at The Wharf Amphitheater 7:30 AM The Wharf Amphitheatre, 23325 Wharf Lane Orange Beach, 36561alwharf.com

4th of July at USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park 5:00 PM USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, 36602 Live, patriotic entertainment provided by the Mobile Pops Band until the fireworks illuminate the sky! 251-208-1550 www.mobile.org

Market in Lavretta Park 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Lavretta Park, Parkway Street West Mobile, 36608 Lavretta Park Market will be held on Thursdays May 25-July 27. www.specialeventsmobile.org

Town of Dauphin Island Fireworks 9:00 PM Dauphin Island Public Beach, Dauphin Island, 36528 Fourth of July fireworks will be at 9pm from the Public Beach townofdauphinisland.org

Wednesday July 5

Informational Meeting regarding Homeschooling 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, We invite you to join us for an Informational Meeting regarding homeschooling your students PK-12th grade in a Classical, Christian Community with Classical Conversations. We operate on 3 campuses in Mobile and are looking to expand within South Alabama. Please contact Michelle Tice, ambtice22@ gmail.com, (205) 478-1936. We vary meeting locations to accommodate attendee needs upon registration. For more information, including location, and to register, please visit https://www.classicalconversations.com/ events/get-event/node/124545. 205-478-1936 www.classicalconversations.com/ events/get-event/node/124545

Night Market 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Musuem Drive Mobile, 36608 MMofA hosts a monthly Night Market that showcases makers, artists, artisans, and craftsman who make locally-sourced, handmade goods. Support your local artists and join the party and shopping fun with great food and drink from The Crepe Crusader and the DJ stylings of Neil Byrne aka Hot Lobster. 251-208-5200 www.mobilemuseumofart.com Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night 8:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island & Greer’s Market Presents: Free Family Movie Night at the West End Beach. As always we encourage you to bring chairs, blankets and bug spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. Snack vendor will be on site during movie. Movie: Trolls townofdauphinisland.org

Mobile International Festival (Free) Toulminville Branch, 601 Stanton Road Mobile, 36617 Join members of the Mobile International Festival as they share stories, facts and customs from the many cultures that make up the rich diversity of Mobile. Shows: 1:00pm, 2:30pm www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Mobile International Festival (Free) 3:00 PM Parkway Branch, 1924-B Dauphin Island Parkway Mobile, 36605 Join members of the Mobile International Festival as they share stories, facts and customs from the many cultures that make up the rich diversity of Mobile. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org

Informational Meeting regarding Homeschooling 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, We invite you to join us for an Informational Meeting regarding homeschooling your students PK-12th grade in a Classical, Christian Community with Classical Conversations. We operate on 3 campuses in Mobile and are looking to expand within South Alabama. Please contact Mary Kathleen Shaw, marykathleenshaw@yahoo.com, 251-391-2455. We vary meeting locations to accommodate attendee needs upon registration. For more information, including location, and to register, please visit our website. 251-391-2455 www.classicalconversations.com/ events/get-event/node/124637

Kids Night (Admission is FREE; Activity Prices Vary $5, $7, $10)

5:30 PM - 8:30 PM, Palm Plaza at The Wharf, 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, 36561 Every child deserves an evening centered around nothing but pure FUN! After all, it’s summertime, so what’s more perfect than a safe environment for the little ones to let out all that built-up energy! As part of our 100 Days of Summer celebration, each Wednesday night will be catered to the kids. There will be no shortage of

Friday July 7

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FamilyCalendar Saturday July 8

Market in the Park 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Cathedral Square, 300 Conti Street Mobile, 36602 Spring/Summer Market in the Park will be held Saturdays April 29-July 29. www.specialeventsmobile.org

Sunday July 9

Art Talk 2:00 PM Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Musuem Drive Mobile, 36608 CHRISTENBERRY: In Alabama–an exhibition honoring the artist William Christenberry’s exploration of his native state’s landscape, traditions, and people–is coming to a close. Join us for one last look at this artist’s legacy and a discussion with Dr. William U. Eiland, director of the Georgia Museum of Art. Eiland, a native of Sprott, Alabama, will jump-start, he hopes, a conversation on what it means to “live Southern” in the 21st century. He will illustrate his talk through images of the fine arts in the South. 251-208-5200 www.mobilemuseumofart.com

Monday July 10

Classical Conversations - 3 day practicum 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Luke 4:18 Fellowship, 2664 Sollie Road Mobile, 36695 July 10th-July 12th, 2017, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Please join us for a 3-day Practicum for parents to fellowship as we pursue deeper understanding of how to homeschool our students in the classical Christian tradition. We think about the characteristics of learners at every age, and we ponder ways to give our students the foundation they need to become life-long learners and deep thinkers. Camps are available for students: Nursery (0-2 year), Play Camp (3-5 years), Geo Draw Camp (6-8 years), Logically Thinking Camp (9-14). This year, our Practicum takes place at Luke 4:18 Fellowship, 2664 Sollie Rd. Mobile, AL, 36695. For more information or to register, please visit our website.

Tuesday July 11

Classical Conversations - 3 day practicum Details on July 10. Ron Barrett presents “Carnival, Art, History” ($10 for non-members, members Free)

5:30 PM Historic Mobile Preservation Society, 300 Oakleigh Place Mobile, 36604 HMPS is pleased to announce Ron Barrett who will explain the history of Mobile’s Mardi Gras costumes and stage decorations. www.historicmobile.org/events PAW Patrol Live! “Race to the Rescue” 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Mobile Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, 36602 It’s the day of the Great Adventure Bay Race between Adventure Bay’s Mayor Goodway and Foggy Bottom’s Mayor Humdinger, but Mayor Goodway is nowhere to be found. PAW Patrol to the rescue! Ryder summons Marshall, Chase, Skye, Rubble, Rocky, Zuma and Everest to help. The pups share many lessons for all ages as they make heroic rescues on their race to the finish line. Times: 10:00am, 6:00pm www.mobilecivicctr.com Shelling it Out: A Look at Turtles and Tortoises 6:30 PM Environmental Studies Center, 6101 Girby Road Mobile, 36693 A shallow dive into turtles of Alabama, both aquatic and land-dwelling, as well as our only species of tortoise found east of the Mississippi. We will discuss the laws regarding possession of particular species of turtles and tortoises in Alabama,and give a general overview of husbandry practices for species commonly found in the pet trade. Finally, we will learn about the gopher tortoise as a keystone species, and compare captive rear practices utilized with the conservation of the desert tortoise and compare to programs in currently place for conservation of our gopher tortoise.

Mobile Bay Parents I July 2017

Wednesday July 12

Classical Conversations - 3 day practicum Details on July 10. Bellingrath Gardens Wonderful Wednesdays

(Admission fees are $13 for adults, $7.50 for children ages 5-12 and free to members and to ages 4 and younger.)

10:30 AM Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, 36582 Who knew that summertime Wednesdays could be so wonderful? Join us this June and July for Wonderful Wednesdays at Bellingrath Gardens and Home, a fun, informative series to help Gulf Coast gardeners and enthusiasts make the most of our extended growing season. Each workshop covers a special feature of the Gardens or Home and includes tips for making your garden more spectacular. July 12 - Carnival Season & Mardi Gras in Mobile. Local architect and Mardi Gras historian L. Craig Roberts has updated his wonderful book about Mardi Gras. Learn more about the history of Carnival in Mobile and how it started Mardi Gras celebrations in the Western Hemisphere. He will discuss the impact of Mardi Gras on Mobile’s commerce and culture today. 251-973-2217 www.bellingrath.org

Help Me Grow Screening (Free) 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, The Shoppes of Bel Air, 3299 Bel Air Mall Mobile, 36606 Lifelines will host Help Me Grow developmental screenings for families each Wednesday to connect families to health and developmental resources so children can start school healthy and ready to succeed. These screenings are part of The Shoppes of Bel Air’s 50 Days of Giving program to commemorate its 50th anniversary. PAW Patrol Live! “Race to the Rescue” Mobile Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, 36602 It’s the day of the Great Adventure Bay Race between Adventure Bay’s Mayor Goodway and Foggy Bottom’s Mayor Humdinger, but Mayor Goodway is nowhere to be found. PAW Patrol to the rescue! Ryder summons Marshall, Chase, Skye, Rubble, Rocky, Zuma and Everest to help. The pups share many lessons for all ages as they make heroic rescues on their race to the finish line. Times: 10:00am, 6:00pm www.mobilecivicctr.com

Thursday July 13

Blue Marlin Grand Championship at The Wharf 11:00 AM The Wharf Marina, 4851 Wharf Pkwy East Orange Beach, 36561 Mark your calendars and join us for “The Greatest Show in Sport Fishing”. Over 60 teams will be vying for the top angler spot! Boats will depart from The Wharf Marina on Thursday, July 13th at 11:00 am and there will be two weigh in days, Friday, July 14th and Saturday, July 15th, both beginning at 5:00 pm. This tournament benefits the St. Jude Foundation. FREE! alwharf.com Film Series 3:00 PM Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Musuem Drive Mobile, 36608 In this MMofA film series, join us for a movie night meant to get your creative juices pumping. On Thursday afternoons through the summer we will be screening Artist biopics and documentaries featuring some of the greats. Admission is pay what you can. Show starts at 3 p.m. Free popcorn. Beer and wine by donation. 251-208-5200 www.mobilemuseumofart.com Market in Lavretta Park 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Lavretta Park, Parkway Street West Mobile, 36608 Lavretta Park Market will be held on

Thursdays May 25-July 27. www.specialeventsmobile.org Art Talk 6:00 PM Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Musuem Drive Mobile, 36608 Rene Culler’s new site-specific work The Mobile Delta: Glass and Light is a mural in glass that celebrates the speciesrich Delta and its atmospheric qualities. For this talk, Culler will discuss how her piece was made as well as the themes of a changing environment, constantly shaped and molded by weather and waterways. 251-208-5200 www.mobilemuseumofart.com Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night 8:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island & Greer’s Market Presents: Free Family Movie Night at the West End Beach. As always we encourage you to bring chairs, blankets and bug spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. Snack vendor will be on site during movie. Movie: Zootopia townofdauphinisland.org 50 Days of Giving Program - Shoppes at Bel Air Shoppes of Bel Air, 3299 Bel Air Mall Mobile, 36606 On July 13, from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Consumer Credit Counseling Services, a division of Lifelines, will host a Financial Reality Fair for high school students. The interactive opportunity allows students to plan a real-life budget based on a certain career choice and starting salary. The goal is to help them understand and gain the skills required to manage their expenditures and the financial challenges they will face when they start life on their own. To register for the Financial course visit https://goo.gl/forms/ HANMNQhZ1BGPKKTx2, or they can all the CCCS office at 251-602-0011. Additionally, McKemie Place will host a donation drive on July 13 to collect items for the women that the shelter benefits. For a list of needed items for McKemie Place http://mckemieplace.org/wp-content/ uploads/2015/01/OurNeeds_REVISE.pdf. www.theshoppesatbelair.com

Friday July 14

Blue Marlin Grand Championship at The Wharf 5:00 PM The Wharf Marina, 4851 Wharf Pkwy East Orange Beach, 36561 Mark your calendars and join us for “The Greatest Show in Sport Fishing”. Over 60 teams will be vying for the top angler spot! Boats will depart from The Wharf Marina on Thursday, July 13th at 11:00 am and there will be two weigh in days, Friday, July 14th and Saturday, July 15th, both beginning at 5:00 pm. This tournament benefits the St. Jude Foundation. FREE! alwharf.com Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night 8:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island & Greer’s Market Presents: Free Family Movie Night at the West End Beach. As always we encourage you to bring chairs, blankets and bug spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. Snack vendor will be on site during movie. Movie: Angry Birds townofdauphinisland.org Mobile Theatre presents “Once Upon a Time” 8:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 Mobile Theatre Guild’s Summer Matinee Children’s Theatre Production of “Once Upon a Time: Tales from the Brothers Grimm” will be July 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23. Friday performances will be in the evening. Saturday and Sunday performances will be matine www.mobiletheatreguild.org

www.mobilebayparents.com

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FamilyCalendar Saturday July 15

Market in the Park 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Cathedral Square, 300 Conti Street Mobile, 36602 Spring/Summer Market in the Park will be held Saturdays April 29-July 29. www.specialeventsmobile.org Dauphin Street Vault 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Dauphin and Joachim Street, Mobile 7th Annual Dauphin Street Vault. Located in the heart of the Mobile’s entertainment district, this pole vault competition is a lively block party. www.dauphinstreetvault.com PIGnic-Guinea Pig Fun 1:00 PM B&B Pet Store, 5035 Cottage Hill Road Mobile, 36609 Calling all GUINEA PIGS! You’re invited to the PIGnic at B&B Pet Stop - a fun and educational event for Guinea Pigs and those who love them. Bring your guinea pig to the PIGnic for free grooming, free treats, and a chance for your Guinea Pig to win a big prize at the “Guinea Pig Treasure Hunt”.

Monday July 17

Informational Meeting regarding Homeschooling 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, We invite you to join us for an Informational Meeting regarding homeschooling your students PK-12th grade in a Classical, Christian Community with Classical Conversations. We operate on 3 campuses in Mobile and are looking to expand within South Alabama. Please contact Jenny Hollingsworth, jennyglenn03@yahoo.com, 501-286-1307. We vary meeting locations to accommodate attendee needs upon registration. For more information, including location, and to register, please https://www.classicalconversations.com/ events/get-event/node/124586. www.classicalconversations.com/events/get-event/ node/124586

Wednesday July 19

Bellingrath Gardens Wonderful Wednesdays (Ad-

mission fees are $13 for adults, $7.50 for children ages 5-12 and free to members and to ages 4 and younger.)

251-661-3474

Blue Marlin Grand Championship at The Wharf 5:00 PM The Wharf Marina, 4851 Wharf Pkwy East Orange Beach, 36561 Mark your calendars and join us for “The Greatest Show in Sport Fishing”. Over 60 teams will be vying for the top angler spot! Boats will depart from The Wharf Marina on Thursday, July 13th at 11:00 am and there will be two weigh in days, Friday, July 14th and Saturday, July 15th, both beginning at 5:00 pm. This tournament benefits the St. Jude Foundation. Admission is FREE! alwharf.com Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Once Upon a Time” 8:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 Mobile Theatre Guild’s Summer Matinee Children’s Theatre Production of “Once Upon a Time: Tales from the Brothers Grimm” will be July 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23. Friday performances will be in the evening. Saturday and Sunday performances will be matine www.mobiletheatreguild.org 53rd Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament 531 Lemoyne Drive Dauphin Island , 36528 The Roy Martin Young Anglers Tournament is designed to bring families together and encourage sportsmanship. The tournament takes place on the Saturday, July 15. RMYAT is for children 15 years and younger and it typically attracts more than 1500 young anglers.The one-day event features 31 categories with prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes in all categories. One Master Angler is awarded. All participants receive a Zeigler hot dog, a Coca Cola, a Blue Bell ice cream, and a certificate. www.adsfr.com/rmyat.html

Sunday July 16

Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Once Upon a Time” 2:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 Mobile Theatre Guild’s Summer Matinee Children’s Theatre Production of “Once Upon a Time: Tales from the Brothers Grimm” will be July 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23. Friday performances will be in the evening. Saturday and Sunday performances will be matine www.mobiletheatreguild.org Summer Classic Film Series - Breakfast at Tiffany’s ($6 for adults and $3 for children (12 and under) &

seniors (60+). )

10:30 AM Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, 36582 Who knew that summertime Wednesdays could be so wonderful? Join us this June and July for Wonderful Wednesdays at Bellingrath Gardens and Home, a fun, informative series to help Gulf Coast gardeners and enthusiasts make the most of our extended growing season. Each workshop covers a special feature of the Gardens or Home and includes tips for making your garden more spectacular. July 19 - English Silver in the Bellingrath Collection. Mrs. Bellingrath’s collection of silver is extensive and includes many fine pieces made by American artists, but the oldest items are English. Join curator Tom McGehee to explore Mrs. Bellingrath’s most prized pieces of English silver and learn about the makers, their marks and the history of these impressive objects. 251-973-2217 www.bellingrath.org

Thursday July 20

Film Series 3:00 PM Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Musuem Drive Mobile, 36608 In this MMofA film series, join us for a movie night meant to get your creative juices pumping. On Thursday afternoons through the summer we will be screening Artist biopics and documentaries featuring some of the greats. Admission is pay what you can. Show starts at 3 p.m. Free popcorn. Beer and wine by donation. 251-208-5200 www.mobilemuseumofart.com Market in Lavretta Park 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Lavretta Park, Parkway Street West Mobile, 36608 Lavretta Park Market will be held on Thursdays May 25-July 27. www.specialeventsmobile.org Live at the Museum 7:00 PM Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Musuem Drive Mobile, 36608 Live at the Museum with The Pine Haunts. 251-208-5200 www.mobilemuseumofart.com

Friday July 21

Strike Out Domestic Violence 6:00 PM Hank Aaron Stadium, 755 Bolling Brothers Boulevard Mobile, 36606 Help raise awareness by participating in the Penelope House Fundraiser, Strike Out Domestic Violence. Friday, July 21 Mobile Bay Bears will be playing Chattanooga Lookouts and participants can pledge $20 for each strikeout by a Bay Bears’ pitcher so we can strike out domestic violence in our community. Gates open at 6pm. Game time is 7:05pm. First 1,000 fans receive rally towel compliments of Red Square Agency. To make a pledge, simply call 251-342-2809 or visit http://giv.It/1q9RjSH. For more information visit www.penelopehouse.org. 251-342-2809 www.penelopehouse.org Playhouse in the Park presents “Willy Wonka - The Musical” ($16 for adults and $14 for students and

seniors)

7:30 PM Playhouse in the Park, 4851 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 Join us for The Playhouse in the Park’s production of “Willy Wonka – The Musical,” based on the classic 1964 book by Roald Dahl. The stage musical follows Charlie Bucket’s adventures inside the famed Wonka Chocolate Factory. Owned by eccentric candy maker Willy Wonka, the factory tour is open to only the five lucky children (and their guardians) who find an elusive golden ticket. Show dates for “Willy Wonka – The Musical” are Friday through Sunday, July 21 through August 13, 2017. Showtimes are Fridays & Saturdays 7:30 p.m. and Sunday Matinees at 2:30 p.m. 251-602-0630 www.playhouseinthepark.org Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night 8:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island & Greer’s Market Presents: Free Family Movie Night at the West End Beach. As always we encourage you to bring chairs, blankets and bug spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. Snack vendor will be on site during movie. Movie: Finding Dory townofdauphinisland.org Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Once Upon a Time” 8:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 Mobile Theatre Guild’s Summer Matinee Children’s Theatre Production of “Once Upon a Time: Tales from the Brothers Grimm” will be July 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23. Friday performances will be in the evening. Saturday and Sunday performances will be matine www.mobiletheatreguild.org Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo 531 Lemoyne Drive Dauphin Island , 36528 The 84th Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo will be held July 21-23, 2017. The ADSFR is a 3-day Captain’s Choice tournament and a Southern Kingfish Association (SKA) sanctioned event. The total awards package is valued up to one million dollars in cash and prizes and anchored by a boat, motor, and trailer packages. The ADSFR has donated over $200,000 to the University of South Alabama Department of Marine Sciences and annually funds academic scholarships. www.adsfr.com

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FamilyCalendar Saturday July 22

Market in the Park 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Cathedral Square, 300 Conti Street Mobile, 36602 Spring/Summer Market in the Park will be held Saturdays April 29-July 29. www.specialeventsmobile.org Christmas In July Boutique Bash 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, The Grounds, 1035 Cody Road North Mobile, 36608 Join us from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at The Grounds. This will be a fantastic day of shopping, food, and fun! We will have something for everyone including food trucks, shopping for the ladies, a “Man Cave” for the men, and photos with our Summer ready Santa for the littles. Enjoy shopping many boutiques and businesses from the Mobile and surrounding areas all while supporting the Whatever Ministry! The purpose of the Whatever Ministry is to empower young girls and women by helping them find their true beauty, value, and purpose. whatevergirlsevent.wixsite.com/whatever/christmas-injuly Playhouse in the Park presents “Willy Wonka - The Musical” ($16 for adults and $14 for students and seniors)

7:30 PM Playhouse in the Park, 4851 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 Join us for The Playhouse in the Park’s production of “Willy Wonka – The Musical,” based on the classic 1964 book by Roald Dahl. The stage musical follows Charlie Bucket’s adventures inside the famed Wonka Chocolate Factory. Owned by eccentric candy maker Willy Wonka, the factory tour is open to only the five lucky children (and their guardians) who find an elusive golden ticket. Show dates for “Willy Wonka – The Musical” are Friday through Sunday, July 21 through August 13, 2017. Showtimes are Fridays & Saturdays 7:30 p.m. and Sunday Matinees at 2:30 p.m. 251-602-0630 www.playhouseinthepark.org Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Once Upon a Time” 8:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 Mobile Theatre Guild’s Summer Matinee Children’s Theatre Production of “Once Upon a Time: Tales from the Brothers Grimm” will be July 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23. Friday performances will be in the evening. Saturday and Sunday performances will be matine www.mobiletheatreguild.org White Tie Rock Ensemble 8:00 PM Mobile Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, 36602 The White Tie Rock Ensemble presents: An Evening of British Rock! with a tribute to Pink Floyd, The Who and a whole lotta Led Zeppelin. www.mobilecivicctr.com Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo 531 Lemoyne Drive Dauphin Island , 36528 The 84th Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo will be held July 21-23, 2017. The ADSFR is a 3-day Captain’s Choice tournament and a Southern Kingfish Association (SKA) sanctioned event. The total awards package is valued up to one million dollars in cash and prizes and anchored by a boat, motor, and trailer packages. The ADSFR has donated over $200,000 to the University of South Alabama Department of Marine Sciences and annually funds academic scholarships. www.adsfr.com

Mobile Bay Parents I July 2017

Sunday July 23

Mobile Theatre Guild presents “Once Upon a Time” 2:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, 36604 Mobile Theatre Guild’s Summer Matinee Children’s Theatre Production of “Once Upon a Time: Tales from the Brothers Grimm” will be July 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23. Friday performances will be in the evening. Saturday and Sunday performances will be matine www.mobiletheatreguild.org Playhouse in the Park presents “Willy Wonka - The Musical” ($16 for adults and $14 for students and

seniors)

2:30 PM Playhouse in the Park, 4851 Museum Drive Mobile, 36608 Join us for The Playhouse in the Park’s production of “Willy Wonka – The Musical,” based on the classic 1964 book by Roald Dahl. The stage musical follows Charlie Bucket’s adventures inside the famed Wonka Chocolate Factory. Owned by eccentric candy maker Willy Wonka, the factory tour is open to only the five lucky children (and their guardians) who find an elusive golden ticket. Show dates for “Willy Wonka – The Musical” are Friday through Sunday, July 21 through August 13, 2017. Showtimes are Fridays & Saturdays 7:30 p.m. and Sunday Matinees at 2:30 p.m. 251-602-0630 www.playhouseinthepark.org

Summer Classic Film Series - Blazing Saddles ($6 for adults and $3 for children (12 and under) & seniors (60+).)

3:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 The SMG managed Mobile Saenger Theater will once again showcase a Summer Classic Movie Series featuring classic hit movies and movie musicals on the big screen! www.mobilesaenger.com Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo 531 Lemoyne Drive Dauphin Island , 36528 The 84th Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo will be held July 21-23, 2017. The ADSFR is a 3-day Captain’s Choice tournament and a Southern Kingfish Association (SKA) sanctioned event. The total awards package is valued up to one million dollars in cash and prizes and anchored by a boat, motor, and trailer packages. The ADSFR has donated over $200,000 to the University of South Alabama Department of Marine Sciences and annually funds academic scholarships. www.adsfr.com

Monday July 24

Informational Meeting regarding Homeschooling 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, We invite you to join us for an Informational Meeting regarding homeschooling your students PK-12th grade in a Classical, Christian Community with Classical Conversations. We operate on 3 campuses in Mobile and are looking to expand within South Alabama. Please contact Mary Kathleen Shaw, marykathleenshaw@yahoo.com, 251-391-2455. We vary meeting locations to accommodate attendee needs upon registration. For more information, including location, and to register, please visit https://www.classicalconversations.com/events/get-event/node/124638. 251-391-2455 www.classicalconversations.com/ events/get-event/node/124638

Wednesday July 26

Bellingrath Gardens Wonderful Wednesdays

(Admission fees are $13 for adults, $7.50 for children ages 5-12 and free to members and to ages 4 and younger.)

includes tips for making your garden more spectacular. July 26 - New, Better, Yours: Plant the Newest, Best Plants. In recent years, new plant varieties and brands have filled your local garden centers, but how do you distinguish the best from the rest? Which are proven to be improved introductions that solve real landscape challenges? Plant expert Kip McConnell, Director of Plant Development Services Inc., will discuss the newest introductions, including new releases from the Southern Living Plant Collection and Encore Azalea. Kip will discuss proper placement, planting and care tips for each new plant release to solve your landscape challenges. 251-973-2217 www.bellingrath.org Help Me Grow Screening (Free) 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, The Shoppes of Bel Air, 3299 Bel Air Mall Mobile, 36606 Lifelines will host Help Me Grow developmental screenings for families each Wednesday to connect families to health and developmental resources so children can start school healthy and ready to succeed. These screenings are part of The Shoppes of Bel Air’s 50 Days of Giving program to commemorate its 50th anniversary. Bay Bites – Food Truck Festival 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Cooper Riverside Park, Mobile, 36603 Hosted by Mobile Baykeeper’s Young Advisory Council, Bay Bites is a food truck festival featuring a variety of different cuisine from local food trucks, craft beer, live music, and a variety of lawn games and other entertainment on the riverfront of Downtown Mobile at Cooper Riverside Park. www.mobilebaykeeper.org

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Thursday July 27

Film Series 3:00 PM Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Musuem Drive Mobile, 36608 In this MMofA film series, join us for a movie night meant to get your creative juices pumping. On Thursday afternoons through the summer we will be screening Artist biopics and documentaries featuring some of the greats. Admission is pay what you can. Show starts at 3 p.m. Free popcorn. Beer and wine by donation. 251-208-5200 www.mobilemuseumofart.com Market in Lavretta Park 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Lavretta Park, Parkway Street West Mobile, 36608 Lavretta Park Market will be held on Thursdays May 25-July 27. www.specialeventsmobile.org Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night 8:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island & Greer’s Market Presents: Free Family Movie Night at the West End Beach. As always we encourage you to bring chairs, blankets and bug spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. Snack vendor will be on site during movie. Movie: Storks townofdauphinisland.org

Friday July 28

Playhouse in the Park presents “Willy Wonka - The Musical” ($16 for adults and $14 for students and seniors)

www.mobilebayparents.com

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FamilyCalendar eccentric candy maker Willy Wonka, the factory tour is open to only the five lucky children (and their guardians) who find an elusive golden ticket. Show dates for “Willy Wonka – The Musical” are Friday through Sunday, July 21 through August 13, 2017. Showtimes are Fridays & Saturdays 7:30 p.m. and Sunday Matinees at 2:30 p.m. 251-602-0630 www.playhouseinthepark.org Dauphin Island Free Family Movie Night 8:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island & Greer’s Market Presents: Free Family Movie Night at the West End Beach. As always we encourage you to bring chairs, blankets and bug spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. Snack vendor will be on site during movie. Movie: Up townofdauphinisland.org

Saturday July 29

Market in the Park 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Cathedral Square, 300 Conti Street Mobile, 36602 Spring/Summer Market in the Park will be held Saturdays April 29-July 29. www.specialeventsmobile.org Color Vibe 8:00 AM Mobile Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Drive Mobile, 36602 The Color Vibe 5k is coming to Mobile on July 29 for our 2017 Good Vibes Tour and we don’t want you to miss out on any of the fun! Kids 12 and under run for FREE!!! A portion of our proceeds will also be donated back to a local charity, Feeding the Gulf Coast :) www.thecolorvibe.com/mobile.php Babypalooza Baby and Maternity Expo (Free)

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street Mobile, 36602 New, expectant, and hopeful parents don’t miss the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Babypalooza Baby & Maternity expo Tour as it stops in Mobile!Babypalooza is a FREE one-day baby and maternity expo and miniconference. Giving parents the opportunity to interact with pre and postnatal health providers, attend parenting workshops, demo the latest baby gear and gadgets, and visit with maternity and baby themed exhibitors. www.babypaloozatour.com Southwest Mobile County Chamber of Commerce Kids’ Day (Free, Bring canned good) 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Tillmans Corner Community Center, 5055 Carol Plantation Road Mobile, 36619 We will have many fun activities including Laser Tag, Giveaways, The Largest Mobile Video Game Theater, Free Vaccines, Kona,Knocker Ball, Inflatables, Free Haircuts, Face Painting, Food Trucks & More. There is no cost to attend and we only ask people to bring a canned good to get into the gate. All proceeds will be donated to the Food Bank locally. 251-666-2488

Playhouse in the Park presents “Willy Wonka - The Musical” ($16 for adults and $14 for students and seniors)

7:30 p.m. and Sunday Matinees at 2:30 p.m.

Bad Art Afternoon We provide the art supplies and you create the art! Participants are given 40 minutes to make a sculpture, painting, book or whatever kind of artwork you choose to create. An exhibition of Bad Art will be displayed and voted on by the participants and staff. The winner receives The Bad Art Trophy. Ben May Main Library – Thursday, July 13 at 4:00pm

251-602-0630 www.playhouseinthepark.org

Sunday July 30

Playhouse in the Park presents “Willy Wonka The Musical” Details on July 29. Summer Classic Film Series - The Color Purple ($6 for adults and $3 for children (12 and under) & seniors (60+).)

3:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, 36602 The SMG managed Mobile Saenger Theater will once again showcase a Summer Classic Movie Series featuring classic hit movies and movie musicals on the big screen! www.mobilesaenger.com Sunday Sunset Concert - Dauphin Island 6:00 PM West End Beach, 3000 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island, 36528 Town of Dauphin Island presents “Sunday Sunset Concerts” with Eric Erdman & Ryan Balthrop. Entrance fees $5.00 per individual! As always, attendees are encouraged to bring beach chairs, blankets and bug spray (just in case) but please no pets, glass or grills. *All concerts approx time & weather permitting! townofdauphinisland.org

Library Events (FREE!) Family Bingo Prizes will be awarded and lemonade and popcorn will be served. For more information, please call 470-7770 or email ftigner@mplonline.org. Moorer/Spring Hill Branch – Tuesday, June 27 at 6:00pm Summer Fun Something for Everyone. Join the fun – participate in games, art activities and exercise programs. Semmes Branch – Saturday, July 1 at 10:30am Mobile International Festival Join members of the Mobile International Festival as they share stories, facts and customs from the many cultures that make up the rich diversity of Mobile. Ben May Main Library – Wednesday, July 5 at 9:30am, 11:00am and 1:00pm Parkway Branch – Wednesday, July 5 at 3:00pm Saraland Library – Monday, July 3 at 9:30am, 10:30am Semmes Library – Monday, July 3 at 1:00pm Toulminville Branch – Thursday, July 6 at 1pm & 2:30pm Story Time with Ronald McDonald Everybody’s favorite clown, Ronald McDonald, stops by to share some of his favorite storybooks with his fans. Ben May Main Library – Thursday, July 6 at 10:00am Theodore Oaks branch – Thursday, July 13 at 10:00am Little Discoveries with Mr. Wayne Mr. Wayne from the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center presents lessons and projects fusing science and literature for preschool children. Ben May Main – Friday, July 7, 10:30am Dr. Gee’s Magic and Balloons Dr. Gee combines his skills as storyteller, balloon twister and magician to produce a show that is sure to knock your socks off! Learn some interesting facts on balloon history; learn how balloon twisting got started; and become familiar with the different types and sizes of balloons. Saraland Library – Monday, July 10 at 9:30am, 10:30am Semmes Library – Monday, July 10 at 1:00pm Ben May Main – Wednesday, July 12 at 9:30am, 11:00am and 1:00pm Moorer/Spring Hill Branch – Monday, July 10 at 3:0pm Parkway Branch – Wednesday, July 12 at 3:00pm Theodore Oaks Branch –Tuesday, July 11 at 2:00pm Toulminville Branch – Thursday, July 13 at 1pm & 2:30pm West Regional Branch – Tuesday, July 11 at 11:00am

Reading Paws Meet, Greet & Read! Come meet the Pet Therapy dogs and their owners. Learn all about the dogs and the services they provide the community. Practice your reading skills with a four-legged friend. Ben may Main Library – Saturday, July 15 at 2:00pm Miss Kit’s Bubble Show Kit Killingsworth introduces us to the world of Bubbles. The show includes a giant Airzooka bubble popping, Bubble Blueprints, monster bubbles, fog-filled bubbles, square bubbles and unique bubble sculptures. Ben May Main Library – Wednesday, July 19 at 9:30am, 11:00am and 1:00pm Moorer/Spring Hill Branch – Monday, July 17 at 3:00pm Parkway Branch – Wednesday, July 19 at 3:00pm Saraland Library – Monday, July 17 at 9:30am, 10:30am Semmes Library – Monday, July 17 at 1:00pm Theodore Oaks Branch – Tuesday, July 18 at 2:00pm Toulminville Branch – Thursday, July 20 at 1pm & 2:30pm West Regional Branch – Tuesday, July 18 at 11:00am Something Special for Saturday Calling all children, ages 5 and Up! Visit with friends and learn how to make lightning bugs. For more information, please call 470-7770 or email ftigner@ mplonline.org. Moorer/Spring Hill Branch – Saturday, July 24 at 10:30am Movie Matinee – Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Moorer/Spring Hill Branch – Monday, July 24 at 3:30pm Storyteller Wanda Johnson Saraland Library – Monday, July 24 - 9:30a.m. & 10:30a.m. Library Price is Right! Back to School Edition Ben May Main Library – Wednesday, July 26 - 9:30am, 11:00am & 1:00pm Tracy Walker: Building Stories Together Ben May Main Library – Wednesday, June 28 at 9:30am, 11:00am and 1:00pm Moorer/Spring Hill Branch – Monday, June 26 at 3:00pm Parkway Branch – Wednesday, June 28 at 3:00pm Saraland Library – Monday, June 26 at 9:30am, 10:30am Semmes Library – Monday, June 26 at 1:00pm Theodore Oaks Branch – Tuesday, June 27 at 2:00pm Toulminville Branch – Thursday, June 29 at 1pm & 2:30pm West Regional Branch – Tuesday, June 27 at 11:00am Summer Library Program Finale: Back to School Bash! Join us for games, crafts and snacks! Back to school supplies will be given out as door prizes to some lucky winners. Ben May Main Library – Saturday, July 29 at 10:00am West Regional Branch - Saturday, July 29 at 10:00am Summer Library Program Finale Harry Potter Birthday Party! All Ages.Join us for a special Harry Potter Birthday Party! Games and special snacks - come dressed as one of your favorite Harry Potter characters. Moorer/Spring Hill Branch – Saturday, July 29 at 10:00am

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FamilyCalendar Classes/Meetings

APAC - Mobile County Adoptive Family Group Meets the 4th Friday of each month from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Regency Church of Christ, 501 S. University Blvd., Mobile. Parent, Youth/Teen Group and Childcare Is Provided. Topic Discussions & ceu’s for foster families are offered. For more information please call 251-4602727 * 1-800-489-1886 * or estokes@childrensaid.org. Autism Support Group in North Mobile We have a social play room for higher functioning children (4 and up) to engage and relate. The idea is to have a safe place for parents of Autistic children in our community to link up and network with other families. 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, 6 - 7:30 p.m., Saraland United Methodist Church, 415 McKeough Ave., Saraland. For more info or to RSVP contact Chris Gibson. Email Chrisgibson4149@gmail.com, or 251-281-7312. Azalea City Harmony Chorus of Sweet Adelines Meets/rehearses each Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Mobile Christian School, The Leopard’s Den. For more info call 251-3800579 or visit www. azaleacityharmony. com. The Breast Feeding Friendly Group (The BFF Group) A place where new moms can get one-on-one breastfeeding help. Get to know other moms within the same community and possibly become a mentor. Breastfeeding professionals are able to provide newborn weight checks before and after feeding to help you to know if your baby is getting enough to eat. Nurses and other medical personnel can answer general questions. All are welcome, even if you haven’t delivered yet. Spouses and other support partners are also welcome. Every Monday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. (Except major holidays). We meet at The Allen Cox Building Conference Room, 205 Lambert Avenue, Mobile. Circle Of Hope, Sexual Assault Support Group Group meets every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. Call Lifelines Counseling Services to schedule a 30 minute appointment before attending the group 251431-5100. COH is a support group for victims of sexual violence to share in their struggles and learn ways to begin to cope with the pain and daily stressors that trigger the hurt. This group is free to attend. Call for times and locations. The Family Center The Family Center’s classes in Mobile and Daphne are free and offer free childcare WITH minimum 24HOUR RESERVATION. Night class includes supper and giftcards. All classes provide a certificate of completion. The Family Center of Mobile *Nurturing Parenting course teaches parenting skills such as teaching cooperation and peaceful bedtimes. Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 12-week rotating series. Call 251-479-5700 to register. *The Responsible Fatherhood Program (RFP) classes are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m., but REQUIRE ADVANCE INTAKE APPOINTMENT. See daily listings for class topics. *Mondays: Together We Can, a cooperative parenting course, 8 weeks. *Tuesdays: Quenching the Father Thirst, (Four things every dad needs to know), 12 weeks. *Thursdays: Chill Skills Stress/Anger Management training, 4 weeks. 251-479-5700 for information on all Family Center classes. All held at 601 Bel Air Blvd, Suite 100, Mobile. www.familycentermobile.org or www.Facebook.com/ FatherhoodMobile.

Mobile Bay Parents I July 2017

La Leche League Mobile Bay Area Breastfeeding support meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. Meetings are free and open to all women with an interest in breastfeeding. Babies and children are welcome. For information or support contact a leader. 251-689-2085, amandaLLLmobile@yahoo.com, meghanLLL@yahoo. com, or michelleLLLmobile@yahoo.com. Facebook: La Leche League Mobile Bay Area. Survivors of Suicide Support Group Meets the 2nd & 4th Friday of each month from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lifelines Counseling Services, 705 Oak Circle Drive, Mobile. SOS is here to provide a supportive and judgement-free environment for you to express yourself and share your story. What can you expect? •A place to find support •A comfortable environment to express yourself •A judgement free environment •Resources for grieving Mobile Infirmary Hospital For complete information about class dates, times, and locations, or to schedule a tour of our maternity center, please call the childbirth education office at (251) 435-2000. • Birthing Basics Class This course is for parents who either have already experienced childbirth or who prefer to attend just one class because of time constraints. The four-hour weekend session (with breaks) includes a tour and all birthing information. The fee is $30 for patients delivering at Mobile Infirmary. Pre-registration is required; call 4352000. Every last Sunday of the month. 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. • Cancer Support Group Meets every 4th Tuesday of the month from 10-11 a.m. • Gastric Band Support Meets every 3rd Thursday of the month from 6-7 p.m. • Gastric Bypass Support Meets every 2nd Thursday of the month from 6-7 p.m. • Preparation for Childbirth Series This series of classes includes all aspects of labor including natural coping skills and epidural anesthesia. Class participants will practice comfort measures and learn about post-delivery and newborn care. A maternity tour is included. Providence Hospital: www.providencehospital.org Providence Hospital is pleased to offer a variety of classes on childbirth issues. All classes are located in Conference Room I (located just inside the main lobby doors of the hospital beside the Gift Shop) unless otherwise specified. To register for classes or for more information, you may call 639-2938 to speak with our Childbirth Educator, Kathy Wade RN, or email kwade@providencehospital.org. For Daytime Breastfeeding classes only, you may call Marcia Ranew RN, our Lactation Consultant at 633-1749 or email mranew@providencehospital.org. Support Groups • Providence Hospital Breast “Friends” Meets the second Friday of every month at noon in the Moore Conference Room. The Moore Conference Room is located in the cafeteria. Call Robi Jones for more information, 251-639-2852. • Diabetes Support Group Classes meet in the Diabetes Center, Suite D-436 in the Providence Medical Office Plaza. Call 251-633-1987 for more information. Spring Hill Medical Center: www.springhillmedicalcenter.com • Better Breathers Support Group Meeting For people with pulmonary disorders. Meets on the

fourth Monday of each month. 2-3 p.m. Gerald Wallace Auditorium. For more information, call 461-2438. • Breastfeeding Class One Wednesday per month. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at The Family Center. Benefits of breastfeeding, getting started, going back to work and FAQs are covered. Call 340-7770 early to pre-register. • Childbirth Preparation Classes Four consecutive Mondays (6:30-9 p.m.) at The Family Center. Register early. The class covers onset of labor, inductions, Cesarean sections, relaxation, anesthesia and postpartum. Includes a tour of the maternity units. Cost: $25 if delivering at Springhill Hospital.  Call 340-7769 early to pre-register. • Childbirth Preparation: Accelerated Course  One Saturday per month. 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at The Family Center. Ideal for those who live out of town or will be delivering soon.  $25. Call 340-7769 early to pre-register. • Me, Too! A Tour for Siblings Noon on the First Sunday of the month. Join us for an individualized tour and instruction for siblings ages 9 and younger. The event includes a tour of the maternity areas and tips on helping parents with the new baby. Parents must remain with their children.  By Appointment ONLY. Call 340-7769 to schedule an appointment. • Infant CPR  Learn this potentially life-saving technique while you are pregnant or soon after your baby’s birth. Covers infant CPR and choking. $5 if delivering at SMC. 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. The Family Center (Bldg. 2, Fourth Floor). Call 3407769 early to pre-register. • Resolve Through Sharing For parents who have lost a child before or immediately after birth. Meets the fourth Monday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Gerald Wallace Auditorium. Call 460-5323. USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital www.usahealthsystem.com/usacwh Classes: Advance reservations are required and may be made by calling 415-1069. No children at classes, please. Class size is limited. Advanced payment required to secure your reservation. If you are expecting multiples or having a c-section, please call for additional class information. • Preparing for Childbirth All-day Saturday class for the expectant mother and her support person (coach). Topics include: pregnancy changes, labor, role of the support coach, relaxation and breathing techniques, vaginal and cesarean births, postpartum care, and a tour of the maternity areas. Fee per couple: $30. You should plan on beginning the 3-week series when you are approximately 28 weeks pregnant. Class will meet in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital. Every other month, 9-2. • Childbirth in a Nutshell This class includes a brief overview of labor and a tour of the maternity areas. Class meets first Tuesday every other month from 6:30-9 p.m. in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital. Fee per couple: $15. • Breastfeeding This one-night class is for expectant and newly delivered mothers and their support persons who want to learn about breastfeeding. Topics include advantages, myths and facts, getting started, correct positioning, latching on, engorgement, returning to work and problemsolving. Class meets second Thursday from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital Fee: $5. Registration Information: Credit card payments are accepted by calling 415-1685. Mail payments for classes to: University of South Alabama, Children’s & Women’s Hospital, Education Department, 1700 Center St., Mobile, AL 36604.

We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

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A Page in a Book

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Help Wanted: Big Jobs for Little Kids Once a child is old enough to help with small tasks, parents can often find themselves with a surplus of assistance. When children are invited to participate through helping, it creates a sense of value and responsibility. Sorting clothes, mixing batter, carrying the mail, and other opportunities for kids to contribute can be a vital part of supporting their positive self-image. This empowerment of the child can also lead to young ones seeking innovative and bold ways to ‘help’. The following titles explore the lighter side of youthful assistance and the humorous results of their enthusiastic help.

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Sprout Helps Out

by Rosie Winstead (Penguin / Dial) Even though Sprout is young, she’s still older and bigger than her baby sister, Bea. So while her mom works from home, Sprout has big ideas about how she can help with the baby. Citing all the ways that she takes care of herself, Sprout’s enthusiastic confidence in her ability to help powers her grand plans for entertaining Bea. The actual chaos that Sprout’s ‘help’ generates only makes her successful assistance more powerful. Pencil and watercolors soften the edges of the mess, leaving the helpful spirit of Sprout to shine in this sweet story of a girl who takes on responsibility with love and wonderful abandon.

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Nanette’s Baguette

by Mo Willems (Disney / Hyperion) Nothing delights young Nanette’s taste buds like a warm baguette. When her mother gives her a coin to make her first solo trip to the bakery for a fresh loaf, Nanette is delighted to help. Navigating a journey fraught with distractions (from Brett with his clarinet to Mr. Barnett with his pet, Antoinette), Nanette and her coin reach the bakery. Once the baguette is bought, the return home with the hot, crispy loaf is all that remains. But how long can a tempting baguette last in the hands of a hungry Nanette? Celebrating a child’s first taste of responsibility and the hazards that can come along with the task, this delightful romp will whet every young readers appetite for opportunities to help.

Laundry Day

by Jessixa Bagley (Roaring Brook Press) Tic and Tac are badger brothers who are bored beyond measure. As they loudly lament the lack of something to do, their mother makes suggestions while she does the laundry. The brothers discard all her ideas, until she offers something new that they’ve never done before; hang up the wet laundry on her clothesline. Armed with instructions on how to handle wet clothes and use clothespins to hang them, Tic and Tac make quick work of getting the laundry on the line. But their excess energy (and new-found talent) give them grander ideas for helping that may put their mother’s patience on the line. Saluting the enthusiasm that comes with teaching kids new skills, this charming picture book tips its hat to the rewards of chores.

Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

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Captain Underpants:

Cars 3 MPAA Rating: G Overall: AViolence: B Sexual Content: AProfanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: AThe MPAA has rated Cars 3 G. Looking in the mirror and seeing a few gray hairs is never easy. For a racing car who’s used to being the leader of the pack, getting old takes on a whole new meaning. It’s not that Lightening McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is slowing down. The problem is the young new cars are speeding up. One of those hotshots, Jackson Storm (voice of Armie Hammer), has a body built on technology and a training facility that gives the racer a chance to practice and refine every possible scenario. On the day when Storm zips past McQueen to greet the checkered flag, our hero suddenly feels his age. Mustering every last horsepower to overtake his new competitor doesn’t return the usual glorious outcome. Instead the effort leaves him bruised, broken and beaten on the side of the track. The longtime ruler of the oval is a wreck -- inside and out. At first, he would rather sit in Radiator Springs with the old gang. But Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) and Sally (voice of Bonnie Hunt) are reluctant to watch their friend stall in a state of disrepair. With the best intentions, they encourage him to accept an offer from his longtime sponsor to come and hone his racing skills using the same new technologies offered to the young upstarts. Excited at the notion of getting back on track he accepts the challenge to work with Cruz Ramirez (voice of Cristela Alonzo), a bright yellow car who will be his new trainer. Cars 3 is an insightful look at how the finish line that we thought we were headed toward can sometimes change. The elder McQueen and young Ramirez offer differing perspectives based on their life experience. This dual protagonist design is typical of Pixar’s keen ability to present storylines that cross generations. With a G-rating, there is very little to discourage parents from sharing this movie with their children. McQueen’s crash and his accidental entry into a demolition derby are two moments when the youngest of children may be frightened. Otherwise kids and adults will enjoy plot elements that teach of the importance of having a positive outlook while continuing to move forward and accepting new challenges, even if the road doesn’t lead to where we originally thought we were going. Coming from an animation company that is also used to leading the pack, Cars 3 demonstrates Pixar can still deliver a high-octane experience that offers a potent mix of engaging entertainment and meaningful messages.

The First Epic Movie MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: BSexual Content: B+ Profanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie PG for mild rude humor throughout. Have you ever noticed how many superheroes look like they are dressed in underwear? Well, I suspect the notion crossed the mind of Dav Pilkey, author of the Captain Underpants book series. And that may be why this animation, based on his work, features a couple of aspiring comic book creators who point to these costume choices as the inspiration for their title character. George and Herold (voices of Kevin Hart and Thomas Middleditch) are elementary-aged kids who have been friends since kindergarten. Sharing the same sense of humor, the pals combine their separate talents for writing and art, to make hand-drawn adventure stories featuring a bald action figure in tighty-whities. The pair also likes to play pranks on their teachers as a way to cheer up their fellow students at their penitentiary-like school. Their mischief has made them regular visitors to the office of Principal Krupp (voice of Ed Helms). Fed-up, the administrator threatens to put the hooligans in separate classrooms. To prevent him for carrying out the threat, George attempts to hypnotize him -- and it works. With a mere suggestion, Principal Krupp believes he is Captain Underpants, and the boys are able to take control of his actions. Or so they think. It turns out to be far harder to keep a leash on the eager-but-super-powerless hero. And George and Herold’s struggles to prevent the caped crusader from hurting himself, or those who get in his way, intensify when a new teacher (voice of Nick Kroll) joins the staff. Calling himself Professor P., it quickly becomes obvious the disgruntled, former scientist has evil designs for his pupils. As is to be expected from the film’s title, this script is full, full, full of potty humor. Perhaps more of a surprise will be the violence that erupts between the boys and the vengeful Professor. While all the depictions are too ridiculous to be taken seriously, they may still be a bit frightening for young viewers. Yet despite the fixation on toilets and a blatant disrespect for authority figures, the story does allow its characters to reconsider their motives, feel remorse for their mockery, and redeem their actions. While these positive moments won’t flush away all the shenanigans, they will likely provide enough charm to amuse older children and tweens.

What Parents need to know...

Violence: This animation features an evil teacher who has the goal of using a ray gun to deactivate the portion of a child’s brain that is responsible for humor. The teacher also uses another ray gun to make things very small or very large. The teacher threatens students with these weapons at the elementary school. These scenarios may be frightening for young children. A principal is played as very stern and harsh, however never abusive. Sexual Content: There are frequent discussions of scatological and mildly crude bodily functions in a comic context, with little detail. Profanity: Name calling is used along with common child terms to describe bodily functions. Alcohol / Drug Use: None noted.

What Parents need to know...

Violence: Depictions of car races includes frequent accidents and crashes. Characters unwittingly enter a demolition derby, and are not permitted to back out of the race. Some racers have malicious intents for their fellow competitors. Bullying and belittling occur. Main characters face mildly perilous situations. Racial and gender prejudice is mentioned. Sexual Content: Mild sexual innuendo is included. Profanity: Some good-natured and spiteful name-calling is heard. Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters gather to talk in a bar setting. Running moonshine is mentioned. Mobile Bay Parents I July 2017

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BREAST MILK GOOD FOR MOM, BEST FOR BABY! Breast Milk Babies…

Breastfeeding Moms…

• Have less ear infections, colds, and viruses

• Lose weight after delivery quicker

• Perform higher on cognitive development tests

• Have less complications post delivery

• Have lower rates of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

• Have lower rates of postpartum depression

• Have a lower risk of childhood asthma and allergies

• Have a lower risk of developing weak bones later in life

• Are less likely to be obese or have some chronic health conditions

• Have a lower risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer

THE BEST START FOR A HEALTHY LIFE

adph.org/perinatal